Bindle recalls water bottles that could pose risk of lead poisoning

Bindle, a water bottle brand popular on Instagram, has recalled its insulated bottles after consumer reports posed a risk of lead poisoning.

Bundle Issued a Voluntary return of its dual-compartment water bottles, recognizing that the bottom dry storage container has a dot of finishing solder that may contain high levels of lead.

“This potentially poses a risk if unpackaged food is placed in a dry storage container,” the company said.

All bundled bottle sizes and colors are affected. Bindel is asking customers to immediately stop using the dry bottle storage box and register to receive a free repair kit.

In its product test, Consumer Reports found that the bindle bottle may alert consumers to “extremely high” levels of lead; The advocacy group also said some bottles contained bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical known to cause fertility problems and some types of cancer. Bindel markets the product as BPA free.

Bindel calls its water jug ​​a “sip and stash” bottle, with a top that holds a liquid and a bottom that’s perfect for storing snacks, keys or other personal items.

Consumer Reports says it has found lead on the bottle’s “sealing dot,” a small, circular piece of metal at the bottom of the bottle, at the base of the bottle. The part is about 10% lead and contains lead levels that are about 1,100 times higher than what is generally considered safe, according to the publication, noting that anything with a dot. There is a risk of lead contamination if it comes into contact.

Consumer Reports is urging the public to stop using Bindel products immediately. It has also asked the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission to investigate.

After the report, Bindle issued a consumer protection. Alert Acknowledging a “potential lead issue” in its products.

“Recent testing has shown that this soldering dot contains lead,” the company said in a statement on its website. “While we believe that trace amounts of lead pose a negligible risk to the health and safety of consumers, we are taking this very seriously and are working on measures to address this issue as soon as possible. “

The company claims it is able to retrofit existing products to eliminate the risk of lead exposure. Bindle is also offering full refunds on all products to customers who request them.

Still, Bindle maintains that each bottled liquid container is “completely safe for consumption and drinking.”

“The health and well-being of our customers is our top priority,” Bindle co-founder Houston Max told CBS MoneyWatch in a statement, adding that the company is “in the process of finding a solution that addresses any lingering concerns.” It will help.”

Child health advocate and activist Tamara Rubin, who runs a small business protecting consumer goods as well as a blog “Lead safe mama“Earlier Consumer Reports warned of the potential health risk. In January, it urged consumers to immediately stop using Bindle bottles after claiming “significant lead contamination” in a storage chamber beneath the product. .

At that time, he posted a Letter The company is encouraging its owners to inform consumers about the possible presence of lead in its bottles and stop selling them.

Bindle, which was founded in 2017 and raised more than $40,000 in one Kickstarter The campaign got a big boost the following year when her products were added to Oprah’s “Favorite Things” list.