There have been 15 recent cases of lead poisoning related to traditional ceramics used to prepare or serve food and beverages

It has been found that the lead content of traditional ceramic products is thousands of times higher than the allowable limit

September 28, 2021 — The Department of Health today warned New Yorkers to avoid using traditional, non-food safe earthenware pots, cups, and cutlery (ceramic utensils) for cooking or serving food and beverages. The department investigated 15 cases of lead poisoning in children and adults related to the use of these types of ceramic utensils, with blood lead levels as high as 53 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) in recent months. A blood lead level greater than 5 µg/dL indicates severe lead exposure. Although people with elevated blood lead levels may look or feel uncomfortable, exposure to lead can cause serious health problems. In children, lead exposure can cause learning and behavior problems; in adults, lead exposure can increase blood pressure and affect the brain, kidneys, and reproductive organs. Exposure during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage and affects the unborn baby.

"Some traditional ceramic products have been found to contain high levels of lead and are associated with lead poisoning in children and adults," said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi. "When preparing or serving meals, do not use decorative ceramics or ceramics for non-food purposes. If you are not sure whether it is food safe, please proceed with caution and do not use it. New Yorkers who use these products should stop using them, and Talk to the doctor as soon as possible and request a blood lead test."

Traditional or handmade ceramic products from all over the world, including Mexico, Ecuador, Turkey, Morocco, and Uzbekistan, have been found to contain high levels of lead. Lead can be added to decorative paint or glass windows used as a sealant so that the clay can hold food or liquids. The lead used on ceramic utensils is transferred to food or beverages prepared, stored or served in these products. No amount of washing, boiling or other processes can remove lead from ceramic products.

The health department visits stores regularly to determine the availability of hazardous consumer products and orders companies to stop selling these products. The department is issuing commissioner orders to businesses in New York City, requiring them to stop selling lead-containing ceramic products and post warning signs to inform customers of the lead hazards associated with these products. The department also continues to conduct education and outreach activities for the public and healthcare providers (PDF) to raise awareness of the dangers associated with these types of products. To report where these types of traditional ceramic products are sold, please call 311.

It has been found that the lead content of traditional ceramic products is thousands of times higher than the legal limit (PDF). These types of traditional ceramic products may be sold in New York stores. In many cases, people also unknowingly brought dangerous ceramic vessels from their own countries.

New Yorkers who currently use traditional ceramic utensils to prepare, cook, serve, or store food should ask their doctors to take a blood lead test. Parents should remind their health care providers to test 1 and 2 year old children for lead poisoning and ask if they should test older children. New Yorkers can dial 311 to find a provider.

In January 2019, Mayor de Blasio announced the LeadFreeNYC plan. The method is two-fold: First, prevent the hazards of lead exposure, and if the blood lead level of New Yorkers rises, respond quickly and comprehensively. In order to protect residents of New York City, New York City has increased its resources to raise awareness of harmful consumer products containing lead. The LeadFreeNYC website provides more information and guidelines for New Yorkers. The site also includes data and progress on New York City’s lead prevention initiatives, and includes educational materials to help New Yorkers understand the dangers of lead and tools that anyone who may have been exposed to lead can use.

Media Contact: Patrick Gallahue / Michael Lanza, PressOffice@health.nyc.gov

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