T91-70 Emil Corwin
Nov. 12, 1991 (202) 245-1144
FDA ISSUES NEW GUIDANCE ON LEAD IN CERAMICWARE
FDA is receiving inquiries about the new lower guidelines that it has
developed for lead in ceramicware used to hold food. The new levels are
significantly lower than those under which the agency previously operated,
reflecting growing evidence about the hazards associated with exposure to
lead. Field offices will use these new levels to determine whether to take
action against these products.
The following may be used to answer questions.
Lead is a widespread environmental contaminant, and efforts by FDA and
other agencies have focused on reducing human exposure, where possible, to
potential sources of lead.
In 1971, FDA began taking action against lead in ceramic foodware that
may leach into the food. Since then, the agency has tested thousands of
ceramic products for lead. The levels were tightened in 1979. FDA's
current action was prompted by studies that indicate that lead can cause
adverse health effects in a fetus, in young children and in adults at levels
in the blood well below what was previously believed.
The agency will consider regulatory action based on the presence of lead
against both domestic and imported ceramicware. The guidelines will be
-MORE-
Page 2, T91-70, Ceramic Foodware
published in the Federal Register shortly, and FDA has informed the ceramic
industry and the Coalition of Safe Ceramicware, an industry group, about
them. The Coalition includes ceramic foodware manufacturers, suppliers to
the industry and related trade associations.
The test for the foodware consists of filling a sample piece of
ceramicware with a 4-percent acetic acid (vinegar) solution and measuring
the amount of lead released, or leached, over a 24-hour period. FDA is
concerned about the safety of food held in such products if the amount of
lead exceeds the following amounts, in parts per million:
Plates, saucers and other flatware -- 3 (formerly 7)
Cups and mugs -- 0.5 (formerly 2.5)
Other small holloware (for example, cereal bowls) -- 2 (formerly 5)
Pitchers -- 0.5 (formerly 5)
Other large holloware (for example, bowls larger than one liter) -- 1
(formerly 2.5)
Cups, mugs and pitchers are of particular concern because they are
frequently used to hold hot or acidic beverages for extended periods, uses
that can accelerate the release of lead.
FDA is also advising consumers that they can minimize the risk of
ingesting lead if they avoid storing acidic foods such as fruit juices,
tomato-based products, wine or vinegar in ceramic containers for prolonged
periods of time.
| |