Matheson Achieves Lead Warning Label for Food Containers


July 30, 2009

Salt Lake City - Congressman Jim Matheson successfully amended a food safety bill to include the requirement of a warning label for ceramic dishes and other food containers about possible lead content.  Matheson—a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee—added the language to HR 2749 –the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009-- which is scheduled to pass the House Thursday.

 

Matheson sought the food safety measure after hearing from Utah parents whose children contracted lead poisoning from dishes and cookware.

 

“Tests by Utah health department labs have shown lead content in dishes that exceeds the federal standard.  Nursing mothers who prepared and ate food using those dishes inadvertently passed it on to their babies.  Utah families deserve to know what they may be purchasing in order to make informed choices about what products they use in their homes,” said Matheson.

 

Matheson’s amendment requires warning labels on plates and packaging for ceramic ware/cookware that include this statement:  “This product is made with lead-based glaze consistent with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines for such lead.” He focused on the glazing because all ceramic ware has trace amounts of lead in clay and those trace amounts do not contribute to lead poisoning.

 

“Problems arise when the lead-based glaze is either fired incorrectly or contains unsafe lead levels,” said Matheson.  “Armed with this disclosure, consumers can make an informed purchase.”

 

Matheson notes that health experts agree there is no such thing as a “safe” level of lead exposure for children.  Particularly for kids under age six, the health risks to their brains and central nervous systems are grave.

 

Matheson said the language does not affect ornamental plates or decorative ceramics, which are already regulated by the FDA.

 

Matheson’s provision also requires FDA to set up an educational program on its website to further educate consumers about the safety issues involving lead in dishware.

 

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