Concerns about lead content in VPR Artist Mugs surfaced in late September. Since that time, VPR has worked with a consumer products safety lab in Milford, NH, to determine if mugs supplied by its vendor meet FDA guidelines that regulate the use of lead in ceramic products for general use.’
VPR’s Artist Mugs are given to members as a thank you gift for contributions made during membership drives. Since the inception of the series, these ceramic coffee mugs have featured original works by graphic designers, fine artists, cartoonists, woodcut artists, sculptors, and other artists from across the state of Vermont.’
After receiving test results on a partial set of mugs two weeks ago, VPR decided to send a complete set of mugs produced over the past 11 years. VPR received those results at the end of last week and can deliver the following conclusions:’
‘·’ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ As of this week, all 34 VPR Artist Mugs produced between Fall 2002 and Fall 2013 have gone through a three-part testing regimen to determine lead content in both the ceramic and inks used to produce the mugs.
‘·’ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ 33 of the mugs meet applicable federal regulations for lead content in ceramic materials.
‘·’ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ One mug - produced in Fall 2005 (vintage pickup truck image) - does not meet FDA guidelines and its use should be discontinued immediately. VPR sent emails and printed letters to all members we have on record having received this mug. In addition, VPR issued a press release to ensure that the information is shared as widely as possible.
‘·’ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ While many of the designs on the exterior of the mugs contain some level of lead in the ink, there is no specific federal guideline for this practice since they are intended for general use. The designs are also printed so that they fall below the ‘lip line’ of the mugs.’
‘Our goal from the beginning was to be open and transparent about this issue,’ said Brendan Kinney, vice president of development and marketing. ‘Having gone through the comprehensive testing was an important process. We now know that the majority of our mugs meet the standard for general use and we are now taking a close look at all aspects of our program.’’
Once the issue came to light, VPR suspended the Artist Mug Series until the tests were conducted. Since then, members of the VPR staff have started to examine a future reboot of the program, including domestic sourcing of mugs and the continued use of organic-based inks.’
Since VPR is unable to carry out comprehensive testing on each mug produced over the 20-plus years of the VPR Artist Mug Series, it advises all members who may have received mugs produced before 2002 that lead content is a possibility and is something that should be considered before continued use.’
‘We have learned much over the last month as we navigated this complicated issue. We appreciate the feedback that we’ve received from our listeners and are working diligently to maintain their trust and loyalty,’ Kinney said.
Soruce: VPR 11.4.2013