43% of ceramic bowls, cups found to release toxic metals such as lead: Hong Kong watchdog
13 of 30 tested ceramic bowls and cups released varying levels of lead and cadmium, but below upper limit of safety standards, Consumer Council finds
Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog has urged ceramic tableware manufacturers to improve production quality after more than 40 per cent of tested cups and bowls were found to release harmful heavy metals.
While no exceeding limits of lead and cadmium were found in the test results, the body said products used daily should not contribute to consumers’ heavy metal exposure, citing the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment.
“The council recommends that manufacturers review their production processes and monitor product quality, to further reduce the risk of heavy metal release,” said Kenneth Chan Kin-nin, vice-chairman of the council’s publicity and community relations committee.
He also highlighted the importance of reducing the possible lead and cadmium intake of consumers, especially children, who use ceramic tableware daily.
The council stressed the detected amounts were within safety standards but said using those utensils daily for food items, especially acidic juices, carbonated drinks and coffee, could increase the possibility of lead and cadmium being released.