I came across this article which I must definitely share with you guys as I'm very interested to know your thoughts on this. Do note that sharing this does not mean I agree or disagree with it. For your convenience, I have copied the excerpts from the article here:
Sippy cup maker Tommee Tippee has received a string of negative complaints following a viral post that showed the cup’s hidden valve covered in mold. With parents concerned for their own child’s well-being, many began cutting open their own Tommee Tippee cups to see what was hidden beneath. Many discovered that, to their disbelief, their cups were also covered in mold.
Despite the complaints, Tommee Tippee has responded noting that “if used properly,” the cup will not mold. However, there is a catch. The Tommee Tippee cup is only designed to be used with a limited number of beverages. Here is what you need to know about the Tommee Tippee cup mold issue.
One angry father took to Facebook to detail issues he discovered while using a Tommee Tippee cup. Photos of the moldy sippy cup were first uploaded to Facebook by Marie-Pier S. L’Hostie of Montreal, a friend of father Simon O’kanada, who was using the Tommee Tippee cups for his son. O’kanada reported that his son was consistently sick, and he couldn’t figure out what was causing the illness. Therefore, he decided to open up the top of his son’s sippy cup to see if it could be the source of the issue, and what he found was horrifying. The anti-leak spout hidden inside of the top of the sippy cup was covered in mold.
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Initially, many parents believed that the mold was due to improper cleaning techniques. It is noted that the non-spill valve is hidden within the top of the cup, inaccessible to parents for cleaning. Many sippy cup brands have the valve exposed so that it can be removed and properly cleaned, but the Tommee Tippee cup is designed with the valve hidden behind the upper plastic of the cup, making it spill-proof. However, it seems this spill-proof quality comes at a cost to parents, as mold can easily form in the spout.
Numerous concerned parents using Tommee Tippee saw the startling post, and many decided to take one of their sippy cups and dissect it to see if any mold was present. Many were shocked when they discovered their Tommee Tippee sippy cups were also infested with mold on the hidden valve.
Tippee says that their cup is only designed to be used with water and non-pulp juices served cold. The company says that warm beverages, thick milk, and juices with pulp are not supposed to be used with the Tommee Tippee cups and that these beverages can cause the mold issues presented. Therefore, if milk, a warm beverage, or juice with pulp has been placed in the cup, it appears the only option is to toss the sippy cup or face potential mold problems.
Tommee Tippee has responded to customer concerns about the hidden valve and mold growth, noting that if the cups are “used properly,” they will not present a health hazard. However, there is a catch to the company’s statement. Tommee If you read the comments on the Tommee Tippee statement, you will note that many parents are not buying the company’s response, claiming they have mold despite only using the cups with water as suggested. Despite the complaints and the continual stream of moldy photos, the company says that the cups are safe to use with the limited beverages noted. However, Tommee Tippee says they are in the process of creating a transparent valve that will allow parents to see the inside workings of the cup so that they will know if mold is growing.
Quickly go check your child's sippy cups and water bottles!!
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