WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark Corp. here said last week it has recalled a line of reusable bags after tests found elevated levels of lead, while A&P said it returned its bags to the shelves after tests proved the bags were safe.
CVS, Winn-Dixie Stores and Publix Super Markets were among retailers whose reusable bags had been found to have traces of lead in an investigation by the Tampa Tribune earlier this month. As previously reported, Winn-Dixie has stopped offering the bags in question, and Publix said its bags were safe but began offering a refund and said it would ask its suppliers to reduce the lead content.
CVS said that its own “thorough re-testing” found lead levels “exceeding 100 parts per million” in its 99-cent reusable green-colored bags.
“There is no evidence that the use of this bag is harmful to consumers,” a CVS spokeswoman told SN last week. “It is being voluntarily recalled as a matter of precaution.”
She said customers can return the bags for a refund, and noted that the chain continues to offer other reusable bags with no lead content or content below 100 parts per million.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets a limit of 90 parts per million for lead in paint used on consumer products. The threshold for lead content in children's toys, however, is 300 parts per million.
Meanwhile, Montvale, N.J.-based A&P said it had resumed offering its Elizabeth Haub reusable bags after a voluntary withdrawal.
“We implemented the independent testing as an added measure of precaution,” said Sam Martin, president and chief executive, A&P, in a statement. “As expected, testing confirmed the bags meet all standards.”
