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Update as of March 10, 2026
Clarifying "Lead-Free" Claims and Addressing Selective Advocacy
Since our last update, several questions have been raised regarding independent "XRF" testing results posted by bloggers (specifically Tamara Rubin of Lead Safe Mama) and how they compare to modern multicookers like the Instant Pot. We believe our customers deserve a transparent look at the "science" behind these claims.
The primary tool used to criticize VitaClay is an XRF (X-ray Fluorescence) scanner. This tool measures total metal content—meaning it detects lead molecules buried deep inside a heating element, a internal wire, or a ceramic glaze, even if they are permanently sealed.
The Flaw: Federal safety standards (FDA/CPSC) focus on leaching (extractable lead). A product can have lead in its internal components (like almost all electronics) and still be 100% "Lead-Safe" for cooking because those metals never touch your food.
VitaClay’s Proof: Our clay pots have undergone independent, third-party lab leach testing (ASTM C738-94). These tests use acidic solutions to simulate years of cooking; our results show non-detectable levels of lead.
Many have noticed that while Lead Safe Mama has heavily criticized VitaClay for lead in its housing, she continues to list the Instant Pot as a "safer" option.
The Conflict: Rubin has admitted that Instant Pots contain lead in their heating elements. However, she labels them "lead-safest" while labeling VitaClay "toxic."
The Question: If a consumer is told to avoid VitaClay because of lead in its internal components, why is it acceptable for the Instant Pot to have lead in its internal components? This shift in standards often aligns with which products generate the most affiliate revenue or traffic.
In late 2025, the FDA issued warnings regarding imported aluminum and brass cookware (specifically from India/Pakistan) that leaches lead.
VitaClay is NOT on this list. We use high-quality, Zisha-style clay that is tested specifically for purity.
Unlike the "Hindalium" or "Indalium" pots recently flagged by the FDA, VitaClay’s cooking surface is natural clay, which is inherently non-reactive and free of the heavy metal alloys found in the recalled cookware.
We stand by our "Lead-Free" labeling because our food-contact surfaces do not leach lead. We refuse to participate in "pay-to-play" affiliate schemes or "scare-tactic" marketing. Our focus remains on providing the most traditional, chemical-free cooking experience available.
Dear Valued VitaClay customer,
Thank you for reaching out to us and allowing us the opportunity to address this matter. We have previously been made aware of the issues raised by Ms. Ruben. For the last 12 years we have prided ourselves on making sure that our manufacturing practices and testing practices were consistent with the representations made about “lead free.” We are confident that our results from certified labs are accurate and do reflect the lead-free nature of our clay pot products.
We, like Ms. Rubin, are also concerned about all heavy metals including lead and chemical non-stick coatings and it is why we work so hard to make sure our product is per definition, “lead free”. That said, we disagree with her on the particular issues raised in regard to our product. We have never been provided by her with any details, calibrations, nor other technical specifications of the instrument who purportedly used to test a clay pot. The testing conditions were unstated. The white noise ratio was unstated, nor the specific sample used. It is also our understanding that she did the testing herself. To the best of our knowledge she does the testing herself not a certified lab.
In light of those facts we can not give those results any weight. To do so would be to discard results from the certified lab we do use. A lab that does testing for our products and many others.
We audit our product from time to time according to our QA and industry procedure and standard. And for many years in a roll, we have been getting consistent testing result in line with our claim that was "lead free."
Here is Guidance from FDA site regarding ”the Use of the Term “Lead Free” in the Labeling of Pottery”-
https://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/ucm214740.htm#III
"ceramicware that contains extractable lead when tested according to the method prescribed in the CPG should not be labeled as “Lead Free.” If ceramicware bearing the term “Lead Free” in its labeling contains extractable lead, FDA may consider the use of the term “Lead Free” in the labeling to be false and misleading, and therefore the ceramicware misbranded under section 403(a)(1) of the Act (21 U.S.C. 343(a)(1))."
Click here to see our current and past LEAD testing reports. There was no lead detected in our clay pot.
Again we appreciate your bringing this to our attention. Hopefully we can get you review this and you will be able to make a right decision as we intend to add as we stand by our product that it is a fact of lead-free. thank you!
