Is Mexican pottery safe?

Exposure to high concentrations of lead — often found in glazes that line traditional Mexican ceramics, cookware and dishware — can be toxic after extended periods of handling, Canadian researchers report. …

Does Mexican pottery contain lead?

Though it is the law in Mexico that all pottery designed for food use be lead-free, the Mexican government does not have an inspection system in place to enforce the law, and that’s why 90\% of Mexican pottery produced still contains lead.

Are clay pots safe for cooking?

Is it safe? Yes. There are no toxic materials or chemicals go into the making of clay cookware. It is eco-friendly, and safe to use on all kitchen appliances and used with all types of foods.

Does earthenware have lead?

Terra cotta earthenware contains lead in its glaze to seal the clay and create bright colors. When properly baked, the lead is sealed into the glazing and shouldn’t leach. If improperly baked, lead can leach into foods freely.

Do Mexican clay cups have lead?

Today, still over half of the pottery produced in Mexico has dangerous levels of lead, with 10\%–20\% capable of inducing lead poisoning over time. But the health problems associated with traditional glazed pottery are not the only reasons to get artisans to switch.

How do you test Mexican pottery for lead?

Test the pottery. Consumers can buy lead-testing kits in hardware stores or online. The kits contain swabs with instructions on proper use of the swabs and reading of the results. In most cases, the consumer will rub the swab on the food-contacting surface of the pottery.

Is earthenware lead free?

Even if all the materials used to make pottery are lead- and cadmium-free, there is always a teeny-bit chance for naturally occurring heavy metals to be present in trace amounts. So, as you can see, there is no such thing as 100\% lead-free earthenware.