Vermont Public Radio issues warning about 2005 artist mug

A few weeks ago, questions emerged about the safety of ceramic mugs from the VPR Artist Mug series. In response, VPR screened all 34 of the mugs produced in the past decade. That process, conducted by a local firm, identified 11 mugs that contain lead.
VPR: Artist Mug Series Halted After Lead Tests
Because more comprehensive analysis was required on these 11 mugs, VPR sent them to an accredited consumer products testing lab in Milford, NH. The lab conducted tests on each mug to determine lead content of the ceramics as well as the surface coating used in the production of these mugs.
VPR has analyzed the results of those tests and found that, despite the presence of lead in the ink on the exterior of the mugs, 10 of the 11 mugs meet the applicable FDA regulation. However, one mug produced for the Fall 2005 drive, with a design by Chris Varricchione, was found to have unacceptable levels of lead content in the ceramic material. VPR advises that anyone who has this mug should discontinue its use.
‘The health and safety of our members are VPR’s top priorities,’ said Brendan Kinney, Vice President of Development and Marketing. ‘We are in the process of contacting all of our members who received this mug to let them know about this issue.’
Out of concern about this new finding, on October 17 VPR sent all additional mugs that are a part of the 15 oz. VPR Artist Mugs series (produced between 2002 and 2013) to the lab for comprehensive testing. VPR expects to have the results of these new tests on or before October 30.
‘This new round of testing is an important next step,’ Kinney said. ‘We are eager to get answers to the questions that remain about the production of these mugs.’
When this issue first came to light in late September, concerns were raised about the VPR Artist Mug from Fall 2011. The comprehensive tests now show that this mug, with a design by Vikki Day, is compliant with the federal regulation for mugs produced for general use.
Over the life of the Artist Mug series, VPR has used a number of vendors to supply its mugs. While the ceramic mugs are made in China, they were printed by companies in Pennsylvania and Tennessee. The 2005 mug was sourced and printed by the vendor based in Pennsylvania. VPR is contacting its former vendor about these test findings.
After the filing of this story, VPR stated Monday evening that it was suspending the mug series altogether. It stated that the artists' mugs could return in the future. The mugs were a popular promotion during VPR's fund raising periods.