Spy Car Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 After countless phone calls, and emails to Rival I've been unable to get to get a simple question answered, namely: "Is there any lead in the glazes used in crock pots?" I've been totally stone-walled, and given "non-answers" to this question. Reading between the lines of the non-answers it seems clear there either is or may be lead used in the Rival crock pot glazes, but Rival will not answer the question directly. I'm promised a call back from a higher level executive tomorrow, but it seems pretty evident the company is unwilling to share basic consumer product safety information. The most they will say is "if" there is lead it is with-in safe limits and there has never been a recall over the presence of lead. If you ask if that means there maybe some "safe" amount of lead in the glaze you will get no direct answer to that question. And will be told to have it tested yourself. We love our Rival crock pot and have used it for years, but after learning from another thread here on WTM that Rival Crock pots were turning up positive for the presence of lead I've become concerned for the safety of my family, and felt I should share my concern with our community here. If you want to frustrate yourself, here is the Rival consumer information phone number: 1-800-323-9519 I'm sorry this thread is a "downer" but lead exposure is pretty serious and I don't think this company has been straightforward in addressing the issue. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirty ethel rackham Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 Bill, Thanks for the head up. We will be in the market for a new crock pot and I will keep this in mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie in CA Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 Couldn't you hop on down to the hardware store and buy a lead test kit? (Then you'd know for sure.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted November 3, 2008 Author Share Posted November 3, 2008 Couldn't you hop on down to the hardware store and buy a lead test kit?(Then you'd know for sure.) Do we know how accurate these test kits are? I honestly don't know, but if memory serves, I've seen the accuracy of DIY kits questioned. And from what I remember the news reports showed the glaze gave off more lead when the units heat up. So I don't know what to do at this point. In any case, I do think a manufacturer has a duty to share safety information with its customers. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chaik76 Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 Do we know how accurate these test kits are? I honestly don't know, but if memory serves, I've seen the accuracy of DIY kits questioned. And from what I remember the news reports showed the glaze gave off more lead when the units heat up. So I don't know what to do at this point. In any case, I do think a manufacturer has a duty to share safety information with its customers. Bill Spy Car, my husband is a chemist. When he gets back from work I'll ask him an accurate way to test for lead in/on your crockpot. It will probably be late this evening before I have an answer as to what might work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted November 3, 2008 Author Share Posted November 3, 2008 Spy Car, my husband is a chemist. When he gets back from work I'll ask him an accurate way to test for lead in/on your crockpot. It will probably be late this evening before I have an answer as to what might work. Thank you, I'd appreciate that. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chaik76 Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 Thank you, I'd appreciate that. Bill I emailed him. If I get an answer back before he gets home from work, I'll post it. Otherwise I'll talk to him when he gets home. Thanks for sharing your concern! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zelda Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 After countless phone calls, and emails to Rival I've been unable to get to get a simple question answered, namely: "Is there any lead in the glazes used in crock pots?" I've been totally stone-walled, and given "non-answers" to this question. Reading between the lines of the non-answers it seems clear there either is or may be lead used in the Rival crock pot glazes, but Rival will not answer the question directly. I'm promised a call back from a higher level executive tomorrow, but it seems pretty evident the company is unwilling to share basic consumer product safety information. The most they will say is "if" there is lead it is with-in safe limits and there has never been a recall over the presence of lead. If you ask if that means there maybe some "safe" amount of lead in the glaze you will get no direct answer to that question. And will be told to have it tested yourself. We love our Rival crock pot and have used it for years, but after learning from another thread here on WTM that Rival Crock pots were turning up positive for the presence of lead I've become concerned for the safety of my family, and felt I should share my concern with our community here. If you want to frustrate yourself, here is the Rival consumer information phone number: 1-800-323-9519 I'm sorry this thread is a "downer" but lead exposure is pretty serious and I don't think this company has been straightforward in addressing the issue. Bill Thanks for this update. Based on the previous thread and my own reading I went ahead and purchased a Hamilton Beach replacement. HB claims that their glaze does not contain lead. The clay, however, does but at very very tiny levels. I think I can live with that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CLHCO Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 I must have missed the original thread and I can't seem to find it when I do a search. Can someone link to it or to an article with more information on this? I have a Rival I love and use often. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Highereducation Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 Do we know how accurate these test kits are? I honestly don't know, but if memory serves, I've seen the accuracy of DIY kits questioned. And from what I remember the news reports showed the glaze gave off more lead when the units heat up. So I don't know what to do at this point. In any case, I do think a manufacturer has a duty to share safety information with its customers. Bill Wow - again, this is something I've never given any thought to. We use a Rival crockpot on a regular basis, and now I'm concerned. FWIW, when we bought our 1902 house in 2002, we tested all of the paint on the doors with a DIY kit because some of them were original and had been repainted countless times. One of them tested positive. In the end we replaced all of the doors anyway, but my dh was satisfied that the DIY kit, in that case, was accurate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twinmom Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 Crud....I have dinner in one right now! I have two Rival crockpots and use them both all the time. I'd love a straight answer on this as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle in MO Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 and one that I just bought this weekend because I had to make a double batch of chili for a chili supper! I never even thought to look at things like lead content! I thought lead was outlawed in paint years ago---does that not apply to ceramic glazes! Rats! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Confuzzled Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 You got me concerned about my Rival slow cooker I use frequently, so I started researching. Aside from many blog and forum postings, I found this: http://www.kutv.com/content/gephardt/story.aspx?content_id=f8eb08d7-f588-462b-a113-447426ea4816 I also read on another forum that the Elite Gourmet transparent slow cooker is made out of tempered glass, is available at Walmart and Target, and contains no lead. So I guess I'll be throwing away my Rival! Kris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hornblower Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 I must have missed the original thread and I can't seem to find it when I do a search. Can someone link to it or to an article with more information on this? I have a Rival I love and use often. I know I asked about this recently http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=60745&highlight=la+creuset Spy Car - that's a very weird run around you're getting from Rival. Certainly doesn't give one a warm & fuzzy feeling, does it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 (edited) Thanks you, Zelda. I didn't want to check, but was happy that my smaller one is HB. I'm pretty sure my bigger one isn't...Off to check the dungeon. (aka the basement) for the big guy. And can I just say....&^%$# to the manufacturers!:rant: (Apology given as I don't normally have such a mouth, but dang it...We're talking kids and families being exposed to this stuff.) Update from the dungeon...Rival. Big old Rival... Thanks for this update. Based on the previous thread and my own reading I went ahead and purchased a Hamilton Beach replacement. HB claims that their glaze does not contain lead. The clay, however, does but at very very tiny levels. I think I can live with that. Edited November 3, 2008 by Tammyla Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted November 3, 2008 Author Share Posted November 3, 2008 (edited) I know I asked about this recently http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=60745&highlight=la+creuset Spy Car - that's a very weird run around you're getting from Rival. Certainly doesn't give one a warm & fuzzy feeling, does it? Thanks Hornblower, it was your thread that "enlighted" me that lead might be an issue. The way Rival is "stonewalling" makes me suspicious of this company and their commitment to our safety. They stick to a "script" (literally) and refuse to acknowledge that there is lead in the glaze (or to say there is not lead in the glaze). You get the feeling Rival has "lawyered up" and that this story is only beginning to unfold. Bill Edited November 3, 2008 by Spy Car Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Atl Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 I tossed my 25 year-old Rival and will be cooking in my old cast iron Dutch oven till I can find a good replacement. I may look into the glass one. It all very frustrating. :glare: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KayT Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 Uggghh, I hate to read this!!!!!! I love my crocks and use them all the time. I have two... one new. The response from Rival is definitely telling in my opinion. Apparently there's enough lead in there that most people wouldn't be happy about, but uncle fda is ok with. hhummm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted November 3, 2008 Author Share Posted November 3, 2008 Wow - again, this is something I've never given any thought to. We use a Rival crockpot on a regular basis, and now I'm concerned. FWIW, when we bought our 1902 house in 2002, we tested all of the paint on the doors with a DIY kit because some of them were original and had been repainted countless times. One of them tested positive. In the end we replaced all of the doors anyway, but my dh was satisfied that the DIY kit, in that case, was accurate. We did lead tests on paint since we live in an old house as well. And found some areas that were "positive". Some things we removed, and some things we "buried" (following "good practice" directives such as not sanding items with lead paint). But are the DIY kits which show gross amounts of lead in paint, good enough to show more minute amounts in a glaze? I don't know. But I am concerned. And Rival is not helping. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle T Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 Never even occurred to me to worry about lead in my Rival CP, which I use all the time. Now yet another concern! ;) Okay, I'm not THAT stressed about it, but I will certainly keep it in mind when I buy a new CP. Michelle T Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I talk to the trees Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 Oh, brother! I did not need to hear this! Well, yeah, I guess I did, if the crock pot I'm using is leaching lead. I don't like the way Rival is being all "iffy" with you, Bill. Makes me wonder just what they are hiding, ya' know? -Robin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie in CA Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 Do we know how accurate these test kits are? I honestly don't know, but if memory serves, I've seen the accuracy of DIY kits questioned. And from what I remember the news reports showed the glaze gave off more lead when the units heat up. So I don't know what to do at this point. In any case, I do think a manufacturer has a duty to share safety information with its customers. Bill I suppose I was just thinking of the lead test kit as a "first response" measure. If, for instance, the lead kit showed positive, I wouldn't go any further--the crockpot would be gone. If it showed negative, I'd still have suspicions, and would follow it through further. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chaik76 Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 Well...I don't know how helpful this is going to be! I'll ask him if there's anything you can do at home when he gets back (this is from his email). ---Find a chem lab with an atomic absorption spectrometer or and inductivityy coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (we have an AA here at [the college he works at]). Fill the crock pot with distilled white vinegar and let it cook for a few hours (to simulate cooking under highly acidic conditions). Run a sample of the vinegar through the AA and test for lead. You should also run a sample of the vinegar uncooked as a control.--- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blessedfamily Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 After countless phone calls, and emails to Rival I've been unable to get to get a simple question answered, namely: "Is there any lead in the glazes used in crock pots?" I've been totally stone-walled, and given "non-answers" to this question. Reading between the lines of the non-answers it seems clear there either is or may be lead used in the Rival crock pot glazes, but Rival will not answer the question directly. I'm promised a call back from a higher level executive tomorrow, but it seems pretty evident the company is unwilling to share basic consumer product safety information. The most they will say is "if" there is lead it is with-in safe limits and there has never been a recall over the presence of lead. If you ask if that means there maybe some "safe" amount of lead in the glaze you will get no direct answer to that question. And will be told to have it tested yourself. We love our Rival crock pot and have used it for years, but after learning from another thread here on WTM that Rival Crock pots were turning up positive for the presence of lead I've become concerned for the safety of my family, and felt I should share my concern with our community here. If you want to frustrate yourself, here is the Rival consumer information phone number: 1-800-323-9519 I'm sorry this thread is a "downer" but lead exposure is pretty serious and I don't think this company has been straightforward in addressing the issue. Bill I'm in the market for a crock pot right now. This is all the info I need on Rival and a good warning in looking for others. With that evasive behaviour I simply won't be bothered. Thank you , sir. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardening momma Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 atomic absorption spectrometer or andinductivityy coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer Hey, I've got one of those...let's see, it's around here somewhere...now where did I put that thing? Too much homeschool supplies piling up... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hornblower Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 You could do a science project...... http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Hall/1410/lab-Env-07.html I am a little doubtful now of a number of casserole dishes I have too. :glare: Now I worry about the glazed ones, & the glass ones - well, I'm the person whose glass measuring cup exploded recently, so each time I use the glass ones, I'm kind of flinching. (lots of other great experiments there, btw http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Hall/1410/index.html) Anyway, I know what I'm waiting for to go on sale - - Le Creuset :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted November 3, 2008 Author Share Posted November 3, 2008 Well...I don't know how helpful this is going to be! I'll ask him if there's anything you can do at home when he gets back (this is from his email). ---Find a chem lab with an atomic absorption spectrometer or and inductivityy coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (we have an AA here at [the college he works at]). Fill the crock pot with distilled white vinegar and let it cook for a few hours (to simulate cooking under highly acidic conditions). Run a sample of the vinegar through the AA and test for lead. You should also run a sample of the vinegar uncooked as a control.--- :lol::lol::lol: I wish we were in the same area, and we could film the test and make a YouTube video. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathleen in VA Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 Would the lead leaching be a problem if you use those disposable crock pot liners made by Reynolds? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chaik76 Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 :lol::lol::lol: I wish we were in the same area, and we could film the test and make a YouTube video. .We're just about a whole country apart! Hey...I just had an idea!!!! I'm going to bundle up the kids and take them to the Goodwill...see if I can find one of those crockpots!!! If I can, dh can test it (I'm sure we could even youtube it...you can do the intro!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blessedfamily Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 (edited) Hey, I've got one of those...let's see, it's around here somewhere...now where did I put that thing? Too much homeschool supplies piling up... :lol: Oh, boy. I sprayed the computer screen trying to pronounce it. "ectomino-dometer...spectomino-sorption.." atomic absorption spectrometer or and inductivityy coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer Edited November 3, 2008 by Blessedfamily Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chaik76 Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 Hey, I've got one of those...let's see, it's around here somewhere...now where did I put that thing? Too much homeschool supplies piling up...:lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chaik76 Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 Wait...um, I have a Rival!!! I could use mine! (I hate using it to cook...so this would be perfect!). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted November 3, 2008 Author Share Posted November 3, 2008 Would the lead leaching be a problem if you use those disposable crock pot liners made by Reynolds? This i'd assume would remove most of the risk of lead leaching, but would introduce the risks of aluminum leaching (which is also a potential [and hotly debated] health risk). Ahhh! Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Serendipity Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 Aren't the crock-pot bags made of plastic? :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted November 3, 2008 Author Share Posted November 3, 2008 Wait...um, I have a Rival!!! I could use mine! (I hate using it to cook...so this would be perfect!). If your husband decided to do this test I think many people would feel grateful for his efforts. No pressure :D Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted November 3, 2008 Author Share Posted November 3, 2008 Aren't the crock-pot bags made of plastic? :) Oh yea, scratch the worries of aluminum leaching and insert fears of plastic toxins leaching :tongue_smilie: What a world we live in. Bill (who just wants to avoid poisoning his family) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Serendipity Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 LOL, you're right. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doran Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 I so wish it was easier to live healthfully. I suppose the stress of worrying over all the areas about which I choose to be concerned is worse than the health risks themselves... but doggonit!! :glare: Our Rival is used frequently. If I had an actual income, I might have replaced it awhile ago because it cooks too hot for my liking. (Just this week, I set some nearly cooked black beans to 'Warm' and left home for a few hours. When I returned, they were boiling, even on the warm setting. Gah!) Now, I have another reason to replace the thing as soon as possible. And, one more thing to try to block out of my worried head for the time being while repeating my mantra: "I'm doing the best I can." Bill, you got any jobs to offer? ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blessedfamily Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 Oh yea, scratch the worries of aluminum leaching and insert fears of plastic toxins leaching :tongue_smilie: What a world we live in. Bill (who just wants to avoid poisoning his family) It's getting so I may just eat straight off of the table and hope the wood doesn't have a toxic finish. I would use a paper towel, but they're bleached. :001_huh: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zelda Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 I imagine you've seen this: http://insightfulnana.com/tag/hamilton-beach/ and this: http://www.dld123.com/q&a/index.php?cid=2212 But for anyone who hasn't. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caroline Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 I used an atomic absorption spectrometer for my Ph. D. dissertation. I haven't thought about that in ages. Thanks for the memory. Oh, and now I have to dump my crockpot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blessedfamily Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 I imagine you've seen this: http://insightfulnana.com/tag/hamilton-beach/ and this: http://www.dld123.com/q&a/index.php?cid=2212 But for anyone who hasn't. Thank.You. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milovany Posted November 4, 2008 Share Posted November 4, 2008 I emailed Euro-pro and they said they don't have lead in their glazes or inserts. (Quote) Thank you for taking the time to contact Euro-Pro. There is no lead in the glaze or in the clay of your slow cookers. (Unquote) Anyone heard differently? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kris Posted November 4, 2008 Share Posted November 4, 2008 From the timestamp, it looks like you posted this as I was *buying* a new one yesterday afternoon -- as the cash was being exchanged! I don't know what that means, but I noticed. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PCA Posted November 4, 2008 Share Posted November 4, 2008 I would like to know more about this Euro pro, and if anyone hears anything else about them and not having lead in there crocks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Peregrine Posted November 4, 2008 Share Posted November 4, 2008 This is so annoying. I have been using my crock-pot for 15 years.:glare: I can't give it to the thrift store so I have to destroy it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted November 4, 2008 Share Posted November 4, 2008 Just checked and I have a Rival Crockpot. Great. We got it as a wedding gift 16 years ago and it's still in good condition. Tell you how often I cook in it. My husband will not be happy that I have now found one more reason to quit cooking. Seriously, how frustrating. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doran Posted November 4, 2008 Share Posted November 4, 2008 My husband will not be happy that I have now found one more reason to quit cooking. ROFL!! I love this perspective! :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kacifl Posted November 4, 2008 Share Posted November 4, 2008 I have six Rivals of various sizes. I use those a holiday times to keep food warm during holiday dinners. I thought I was so clever! Now, I see I've poisoned everyone! I think that I'll throw them all out and just get a couple for standard uses. What brand is recommended now??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Peregrine Posted November 4, 2008 Share Posted November 4, 2008 Shock! My Dh, who usually thinks I have gone off the deep end was so mad and told me to throw the crock pot out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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