Vitamix Black Flecks, Flakes, Specs, Pieces, etc
Posted on 12/1/2017 by Keith Knittel
------------ Edit: December 2017 ------------
Any Vitamix bought Direct or from a Retailer from this article we've written, will Not have this issue.
> Shop New Vitamix machines
> Shop Refurbished Vitamix machines
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This article has been updated after talking with Vitamix.
In 2015, some users reported that they had small, black flakes in their containers after blending. It turns out a few of Vitamix's containers had a seal on the containers that could produce pieces to fall off and end up in the container. As documented below, the seal is not harmful and is made of common material that can be found in your kitchen - but Vitamix offers a free replacement to anyone affected.
If you are buying a Vitamix after August 11th 2015, you will not experience this problem at all. Vitamix has replaced all of the containers in all retail stores. That goes for both new and refurbished Vitamix blenders.
Vitamix's response
“Thank you for contacting Vitamix. I’d be more than happy to assist you with your inquiry. I’m pleased to share with you that, as of August 11, 2015, all full-size containers coming off our production line contain a new seal that addresses the issue.
Our quality team became aware of questions over the presence of tiny black flecks found in some containers, regardless of model or age. We’ve identified that these flecks come from a seal in the bottom of containers. The material used to make the seal complies with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements for food contact. The FDA certification allows for and addresses the safety of any possible migration of the components into the food. The seal is made of a common non-stick composite material – PTFE – which has been used in pots, pans and other cookware for more than 50 years.
Based on regulatory approval and third-party testing, our seal material is safe and presents no health risk from repeat exposure. The seal material meets the FDA, EPA, the European Food Safety Authority, and the French Food Safety Agency (ANSES) requirements for contact with food. The seal has also been tested by a third-party standards testing authority, which reaffirmed that no health risk exists when food comes into contact with the seal. Any flecks from the seal that may be ingested over the service years of our blenders represent a tiny fraction of what is considered safe.
While we’re confident in the quality, safety, and durability of our products, we take customer preferences seriously. If you purchase a machine and the container has the black flecks, I am happy to exchange your container with one of our new containers.”
If customer already has an affected container, we will facilitate the exchange. Please have them contact Vitamix at 800-848-2649, Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m EST and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST."