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High Levels of Lead and Cadmium Prompt Recall of Ceramic Wine Goblets

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:03:55 EST

An Illinois-based company is recalling ceramic wine goblets sold nationwide, because they contain more leachable lead and cadmium than the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers safe.
 
Lead glazes are usually found on earthenware, antique porcelain, and older bone china. If the glazes were not properly formulated or were not fired at sufficiently high temperatures during the manufacturing process, they will not seal properly and allow the lead to leach into food or liquids stored in the ceramics. Cadmium is used to make colored pigments and can leach into foods as well.
 
Both lead and cadmium are heavy metals found in the environment and accumulate in human bodies.
 
Children are at the greatest risk for lead poisoning, because they are still developing and their small bodies would contain higher concentrations than adults. Possible complications resulting from lead poisoning are learning disabilities, mental retardation, behavioral problems, lowered intelligence, stunted growth, and hearing impairment.
 
Exposure to high levels of cadmium may cause liver and heart damage, kidney, and circulatory failure. At low doses over an extended period, cadmium poisoning leads to symptoms such as exhaustion, headaches and neurological disorders.
 
The recalled ceramic goblets were sold in retail stores in 29 states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin. 
 
'EMSL Analytical, the nation's leading commercial testing laboratory, provides lead and cadmium testing at over 30 locations across the country,' states Shannon Kauffman, Manager of EMSL's Food Chemistry Laboratory. 'We are FDA registered and hold various accreditations from state and federal regulatory bodies, so clients can be assured of our results' accuracy.'
 
For more information on EMSL's testing services, please contact EMSL at (800) 220-3675, visit www.EMSL.com, or email info@EMSL.com.