The company behind the Stanley brand of cups, Pacific Market International LLC (PMI), is currently embroiled in a lawsuit over allegations of false advertising and fraud concerning lead content in their popular tumblers.
The class action lawsuit, filed on February 1, 2024, in Los Angeles Superior Court, accuses PMI of misleading consumers by failing to disclose the presence of lead in the sealing material used for its vacuum insulation.
Despite marketing the reusable cups as safe, the plaintiffs argue that PMI knew its products were manufactured using a toxic compound and did not notify consumers of this fact.
The lawsuit has been brought forth by four women who claim that the company's failure to disclose the lead content misled consumers, particularly young professional women of childbearing age, who are the target demographic for Stanley cups.
The plaintiffs emphasize the dangers of lead exposure, which can cause severe developmental problems in children even in trace amounts. They allege that PMI intentionally failed to disclose the viral products contained lead until late January 2024.
The controversy surrounding the Stanley brand has been further fueled by the rise in counterfeit Stanley cups, with police warning about an increase in fake products amid the surge in popularity.
However, it should be noted that the Stanley Limited Lifetime Warranty covers any defects in material and workmanship for the life of the owner, offering repair or replacement of defective products.
The Stanley Quencher bottle, introduced in 2016, gained viral success thanks to the promotion by three women—Linley Hutchinson, Ashlee LeSueur, and Taylor Cannon—founders of The Buy Guide, an online shopping blog and Instagram account started in 2017.
Despite its initial lackluster sales and being discontinued in 2019, the Quencher's popularity soared due to social media influence.
In response to the lawsuit, PMI has not been immediately available for comment. However, the case has highlighted the potential risks associated with the use of lead in consumer products and the importance of transparent advertising practice