CR alerted the FDA and the blender manufacturer, Spectrum Brands, to extremely high lead levels found in the PowerCrush blender. More than two weeks later, the model is still for sale and has not been recalled.
YONKERS, NY— Consumer Reports (CR) is calling on Spectrum Brands, the manufacturer of Black+Decker blenders, to immediately recall the PowerCrush BL1230 blender, which may pose a risk of lead poisoning. CR tested this model of PowerCrush blender for lead after spotting a SaferProducts.gov incident report linking elevated blood lead levels in a one-year-old child to homemade baby food prepared in the blender. Two of the three PowerCrush BL1230 blenders CR tested had high levels of lead in a component that comes into contact with food.
“The high levels of lead detected in these Black+Decker blenders are dangerous and unacceptable,” said Gabe Knight, Senior Safety Policy Analyst, Consumer Reports. “There is no safe level of exposure for anyone to lead, and children are particularly vulnerable to its harmful effects, which include permanent brain and nervous system damage. It’s been over two weeks since CR notified Spectrum Brands of our findings, yet this blender is still being sold. Spectrum Brands should immediately warn anyone who bought this model to stop using it, and work swiftly with regulators on an appropriate recall that includes a full refund for customers.”
What Consumer Reports Found
CR tested three Black+Decker PowerCrush BL1230 blenders and multiple metal components for lead. In two of the blenders, CR found lead in the metal blade holder—a component that comes into direct contact with food—at levels exceeding 4,000 and 6,000 parts per million (ppm). No lead was detected in the third blender.
The incident report CR identified on SaferProducts.gov noted that a state investigation found no lead hazards in the child’s home except for the BL1230 blender, which had been used daily to prepare baby food. According to the incident report, food prepared in the blender was found to contain more than 3,000 parts per billion (ppb) of lead.
Company and Regulatory Response
CR contacted both Stanley Black & Decker and Spectrum Brands prior to publishing its investigation on May 22, 2026. After publication, Stanley Black & Decker responded to advise CR to contact Spectrum Brands. CR has reached out to Spectrum Brands several additional times since publishing the investigation, but has not received a response.
CR also informed the Consumer Product Safety Commission about the SaferProducts.gov incident report, and asked if the agency was investigating, as the CPSC is the agency that hosts SaferProducts.gov. A few hours later, the incident report was taken offline. In response to CR’s outreach, the CPSC told CR that the issue is under the jurisdiction of the FDA, and that the CPSC had referred the incident report to the FDA.
The FDA confirmed that lead is not authorized for use on food-contact surfaces but did not confirm receipt of the incident report referred to the agency. CR formally notified the FDA of the incident report involving the one-year-old child, and the results of CR’s lead test findings on May 22, 2026, and urged an investigation of the incident and product line.
Consumer Reports Is Calling For
- Spectrum Brands to immediately work with regulators to recall the Black+Decker PowerCrush BL1230 and any other models that may contain lead, including a full refund for consumers who have an affected product.
- The FDA to immediately investigate the matter, facilitate a recall of the product, and take other appropriate corrective actions to protect consumers.
What Consumers Should Do Now
CR is advising anyone who owns a Black+Decker PowerCrush BL1230 to stop using it immediately and contact Spectrum Brands directly at 1-800-465-6070, or email empowercustomerservice@spectrumbrands.com.
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Media Contact: Emily Akpan, emily.akpan@consumer.org