The Short Answer
Muir Glen is a "better-than-conventional" option that falls short of being truly clean.
They get the basics right: USDA Organic, Non-GMO, and steam peeled. However, they rely on a vinyl-based can liner (PVC type) rather than cleaner polyester enamels or glass. Most concerning is a January 2026 Prop 65 notice alleging unsafe lead levels in their diced tomato products.
If you are strictly avoiding plastics or heavy metals, switch to glass-jarred brands like Is Jovial Pasta Clean|Jovial or Bionaturae.
Why This Matters
Lead is a cumulative neurotoxin.
There is no "safe" level of lead for children. In early 2026, consumer protection groups filed a 60-Day Notice of Violation against Muir Glen, alleging their products expose consumers to lead without a warning label. This suggests recent batches may have testing issues. Heavy Metals In Spices
"BPA-Free" doesn't mean non-toxic.
Muir Glen swapped BPA for a vinyl (PVC) liner. Vinyl liners can release vinyl chloride (a carcinogen) and often contain phthalates to make the plastic flexible. They traded one hormone disruptor for another potentially toxic plastic. Is Bpa Free Lining Safe
Citric Acid isn't just lemon juice.
The "citric acid" in Muir Glen is manufactured from corn mold (Aspergillus niger). While it's organic, it can trigger reactions in those with severe corn allergies or mold sensitivities. Citric Acid In Canned Tomatoes
What's Actually In Muir Glen
The ingredient list is short, but the additives matter.
- Organic Tomatoes ā Grown in California's San Joaquin Valley.
- Organic Tomato Juice ā Used as the packing medium.
- Citric Acid ā A preservative derived from fermented corn. Used to regulate acidity for canning safety.
- Calcium Chloride ā A firming agent. It keeps diced tomatoes from turning into mush, but it's an unnecessary additive if you want pure tomatoes.
- Sea Salt ā Added for flavor (unless you buy "No Salt Added").
What to Look For
Green Flags:
- Steam Peeled ā They use steam to remove skins, not lye (sodium hydroxide), which is common in non-organic brands.
- USDA Organic ā No synthetic pesticides or glyphosate used in the fields. Glyphosate In Oats
- Non-GMO Project Verified ā Third-party verification for their corn-derived ingredients.
Red Flags:
- Vinyl Can Liner ā Uses a "food-grade vinyl" lining that may leach phthalates.
- Prop 65 Warning ā Active legal notice regarding lead content (2026).
- Additives ā Contains both citric acid and calcium chloride, which aren't found in premium brands.
The Best Options
If you eat tomatoes daily, we recommend upgrading to glass jars or Tetra Paks to avoid can liner toxicity.
| Brand | Product | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jovial | Whole Peeled (Glass) | ā | Gold Standard. Glass jar. No citric acid. No calcium chloride. |
| Bionaturae | Strained Tomatoes (Glass) | ā | Excellent. Glass jar. Just tomatoes. |
| Pomi | Chopped Tomatoes (Box) | ā ļø | Acceptable. BPA-free carton (cleaner than cans), but not organic. |
| Muir Glen | Diced Tomatoes (Can) | ā ļø | Caution. Vinyl liner + recent lead concerns. |
The Bottom Line
1. Don't panic, but rotate. If you have Muir Glen in your pantry, you don't need to throw it out (unless you are pregnant or feeding an infant). But don't make it your daily staple.
2. Choose glass for acid. Tomatoes are highly acidic and eat away at can linings, increasing chemical migration. Buy tomatoes in glass whenever possible. Best Canned Tomatoes
3. Watch the news. The 2026 ownership change (sold by General Mills to Violet Foods) and the active lead notice mean this brand is in a transition period. Quality may fluctuate.
FAQ
Is Muir Glen BPA-free?
Technically yes, but there's a catch. They use a vinyl-based liner instead of BPA. While it complies with "BPA-free" regulations, vinyl (PVC) is considered one of the "dirty plastics" by environmental groups due to the release of vinyl chloride and phthalates. Bpa In Canned Foods
Do Muir Glen tomatoes contain lead?
Allegedly, yes. A Prop 65 Notice of Violation was filed in January 2026 alleging lead exposure from Muir Glen tomato products. This means third-party testing found lead levels exceeding California's strict safety thresholds.
Are Muir Glen tomatoes lye peeled?
No. Muir Glen uses steam peeling. This is the cleaner method. Many conventional brands use lye (caustic soda) to chemically burn the skins off, which creates toxic wastewater and can leave chemical residue.
Is the citric acid from corn?
Yes. Muir Glen confirms their citric acid is derived from corn fermentation. Even though it is organic, people with severe corn allergies should avoid it. Citric Acid In Canned Tomatoes
References (11)
- 1. reddit.com
- 2. blogspot.com
- 3. substack.com
- 4. celiac.com
- 5. linyangpvc.com
- 6. generalmillsfoodservice.com
- 7. oregonstate.edu
- 8. foodrepublic.com
- 9. prop65clearinghouse.com
- 10. ca.gov
- 11. tomatonews.com