Nuby Responds to Healthy Toys Positive Test for PVC in Nibbler Net

Posted on December 8th, 2008 by Alicia

nuby-nibbler-all

UPDATE 12/18/08 (see below)

When the Ecology Center released their 2008 test results on HealthyToys.org, I was surprised to find a positive test result for PVC on the Nuby Nibbler Net.  I immediately contacted Nuby to find out if the information they gave The Soft Landing initially could have been incorrect.  Our U.S. distributor began an investigation of the materials used in production, and we heard back today:  Nuby’s Q.A. Dept. reports that every part of the Nibbler is definitely PVC-free and the net is made from nylon (also called polyamide fiber).  Nuby is in the process of contacting Healthy Toys to rectify this situation.

Healthy Toys has reported results like this before, where a product known to be made of PVC-free materials tested positive for PVC.  I found this confusing and tried to contact them beginning in March 2008 to get their input on the matter.  Up through today, I’ve left several phone messages and emailed them twice with no response.  Here’s a copy of the email I sent following a helpful discussion with Mike Schade of CHEJ:

I’m curious about non-PVC products that are packaged in PVC.  I wondered about cross-contamination, and whether it was possible for chlorine/PVC to become cause a non-PVC item to test positive for PVC.  I contacted Mike Schade of besafenet.com to ask his opinion on the topic.  He explained that PVC can absolutely cross-contaminate food products, may be able to the same with non-PVC plastic products.  He mentioned that products packaged in PVC should always be washed thoroughly before use.

This brings me to my question for you.  Do you test products like the Sassy Feeding Pots after a thorough washing, or are they tested right out of the package?  If they are tested right out of the package, would it be possible to get a false positive result that might be different after the product is washed (as would be done in real life use)?

I recently wrote an article on this subject for Healthy Child, Baby Products Packaged in PVC.  While adding a link to the Sassy Feeding Pot results for 2007 from the Healthy Toys website, I noticed they had added a new column to the page called “Package (pvc 50% cl)”, which is where the positive PVC results are now listed.

At this point, I have to assume that the Nuby Nibbler was taken straight out of its package and tested, causing a positive PVC result.  In the meantime, I will continue to suggest washing all new toys housed in firm, clear packaging thoroughly with hot soapy water and/or distilled vinegar – just in case there is any residue left on the surface of the toy.

UPDATE 12/18/08: I finally heard back from HealthyToys.org in response to our questions about their testing methods for the Sassy Feeding Pots and Nuby Nibbler results.

1) They began by pointing out a disclaimer they have on their website in an effort to “make sure consumers do not confuse this data as applicable to the current product” – meaning each year’s test results do not apply to any other year’s results:

“Archive Data Notice: Product details below reflect testing performed by HealthyToys.org prior to January 01, 2008. Data shown should not be considered accurate or representative for similar products manufactured or sold after January 01, 2008. ”

2) They confirmed that my theory on PVC packaging contamination was correct.  It turns out they they do test all products straight from the package without washing either the product or the package.

3) They confirmed that the Sassy Feeding Pots included test results for the packaging itself, not just the surface of the Feeding Pots themselves:

“However, because the packaging results were confusing to many consumers–and many were not concerned about it for the reasons you mentioned (it is thrown in the garbage, the products are washed), we removed it as a factor in the 2007 test results.  Unfortunately, we missed the packaging results for the Sassy Insulated Feeding Pots.  We have gone into the archived data and removed this test result.”

4) They confirmed that the Nuby Nibbler does NOT contain PVC:

“With regard to the Nuby Nibbler Net, we re-tested this product, and found PVC packaging within the mesh that we initially mistook for part of the product.  During our re-test, we removed the internal packaging and have re-posted the new results on the site.  The mesh itself does not contain PVC.”

I’m glad to have this whole mess clarified, but I have to admit to wondering about hundreds of other positive PVC test results.  It seems HealthyToys.org needs to work on their testing methods in order to provide more accurate information to parents.

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Filed under: Baby Dishes and Utensils, Baby Teethers

« Sassy Reformulates Products to Remove BPA Boon Introduces New Line of BPA and PVC Free Bath Toys »
  • That's a great tip and really interesting. I never thought about the packaging contaminating items but it makes total sense. I hope HealthyToys.org will get on this because it really is a helpful service.
  • tryingtobegreener
    Wow, I never thought of the contamination from packaging either. I always appreciate all the work you do in helping us with safer choices for our little ones!
  • Wow, way to follow up. It's interesting--I really like Healthy Toys Coalition and Environmental Working Group, but it looks like both of them are very slow to respond to their own errors (if this turns out to be an error). EWG cites two Arbonne products as "zero" on their safety scale (no risk whatsoever) which contain some highly noxious stuff, including a known carcinogen, and despite numerous e-mails and comments on their site from me, as well as other consumers--even offering to send them our products as proof--they refuse to rectify. So thanks for keeping up on this.
  • Thanks Candace, Kirstin and Ashley for your comments!



    Ashely, it really unsettling to run into an issue like this and not be able to get a response to legitimate concerns. Healthy Toys and EWG are obviously working hard to provide a great service to parents - I just wish obvious discrepancies were given the attention they warrant.
  • Fiona
    Thank you for the reassurance. My little one loves the nuby teethers, and I had come across this website http://www.zrecsguide.com/brand/category/nuby-l... that also tested the nuby teethers, and the ones that I knew at the time to be BPA and PVC free tested positive for PVC! I was scared. I just wish that we didn't have to worry so much about what goes into there little mouths...that all childrens companies would automatically make safe toys for our babies. But unfortunately it doesn't work that way. And once again, we have to do thoroughly do our research.
  • Hi Fiona,

    Thank you for pointing out the discrepancies! I've already contacted Nuby this morning to get the scoop on why our two lists vary so much.

    You mentioned that the teethers tested positive for PVC. It's my understanding that ZRecs does not do any kind of testing for their product guides, but that they work directly with the manufacturer (like we do) to confirm materials used in production. I noticed that they made a point of saying that Nuby has not answered their requests for materials on some items:

    [Taken from the ZRecs Guide 12/18/08] "Nuby has not responded to a ZRecs request for information regarding PVC content in their teethers."

    At this point I have to assume that they are using information gathered from a source other than Nuby/Luv 'n Care. I'll let everyone know as soon as I hear back from Nuby with the information.

    Alicia
  • Jennifer
    Alicia,



    Thank you so much for looking into this (and for everything else that you do)!!!
  • Fiona
    Thank you Alicia!

    I just hope they are PVC free cause my son uses them almost everyday.
  • Suz
    Then the companies should stop packaging their products in PVC and other toxic materials. What is wrong with cardboard or something that can be recycled and that isn't sharp edged when you are trying to open it. It isn't responsible of companies to overpackage and use non sustainable practices on our planet. I'm glad the test came up positive for PVC - this should send a message to the testers to tell us if the packaging is toxic and tell the companies to get a green clue already.
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