Category: Household Items

Lead in household items: FDA alerts on cinnamon and spices, glazed pottery and dishes, toys and jewelry under federal limits, and the lead seal in insulated tumblers. What the FDA and CPSC say, how to check recalls, and what testing can and cannot tell you about everyday products.

Lead Test Kit for Dishes: What a Swab Can and Can’t Tell You

A lead test kit for dishes can warn you that a plate, mug or glass gives off lead at its surface, but it cannot prove a dish is safe. The FDA says swab kits sold in hardware stores and online can be used on pottery and that you should stop using a piece for food if a swab shows leachable lead, while the CPSC found that home kits often miss lead in consumer products.

Vintage china, decorated glasses and a crystal decanter on an open kitchen shelf

In short: use a swab kit as a quick screen on the food-contact surface and the rim, especially on old, handmade, worn or brightly decorated pieces. Treat a color change as a reason to stop using the piece for food and drink. A negative proves little: no swab kit is EPA-recognized for ceramics or glass, a fired glaze can hide lead, and the FDA’s limits are measured with a lab leach test. If a dish matters to you, or children use it, the reliable answer is a lab leach test or simply keeping the piece for display.

For why some dishes contain lead in the first place, see lead in pottery and dishes.

How swab kits react to lead

Most home lead swabs use one of two chemical reactions. A study of lead test kits by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for HUD describes kits based on sulfide, which turns gray or black with lead, and kits based on rhodizonate, which turns pink or red. You rub the wet swab on the surface; if lead dissolves onto the tip, the color changes.

So a swab only reacts to lead it can reach and dissolve in seconds at the exact spot you rub. The FDA describes it the same way for pottery: in most kits the swab changes color if lead leaches onto it.

Glazed surfaces. A swab can pick up lead from a glaze that is poorly fired, worn, corroded or chalky. A sound, fired glaze can hold lead underneath where the swab never touches it. The CPSC found that none of the kits it tested consistently detected lead covered by a non-leaded coating.
Decorations and decals. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) warns about bright colors or decorations on surfaces that touch food or drink, including the upper rim of a cup or bowl, and about decorations that sit on top of the glaze. If you can feel the design with your finger, it is probably on top. Swab those spots.
Rims. Your lips touch it, so test it separately.

What official sources say about home kits

EPA recognizes kits only for paint. The EPA recognizes three kits (LeadCheck, D-Lead and a Massachusetts kit) and only for telling a certified professional that regulated lead-based paint is not present on wood, ferrous metal, drywall or plaster (the Massachusetts kit only on drywall and plaster). Ceramics, china and glass are not on the list.
CPSC says kits are unreliable on consumer products. In its October 2007 staff study, the CPSC got 56 false negatives out of 104 results, plus two false positives, and concluded that consumers should not use lead test kits to evaluate consumer products. It said qualified lab testing is the only reliable way to assess a product.
FDA accepts kits as a warning sign for pottery. The FDA says consumers can buy lead-testing kits in hardware stores or online, and if a test finds leachable lead, it strongly advises against using that pottery for cooking, serving or storing food or drinks.

A positive swab is meaningful; a negative is weak evidence. Our lead test kits hub explains which kit is designed for which material.

What the FDA actually measures

The FDA does not judge dishes by a swab. Its Compliance Policy Guide Sec. 545.450 sets action levels for lead that leaches out of ceramic ware into an acid solution in a standard laboratory test (ASTM C738). The limits get stricter for pieces that hold liquid for longer, such as cups and pitchers:

Ceramic ware	FDA action level (lead in leach solution)
Flatware (plates, saucers), average of 6 units	3.0 µg/mL
Small hollowware (bowls, other than cups and mugs)	2.0 µg/mL
Large hollowware (other than pitchers)	1.0 µg/mL
Cups and mugs	0.5 µg/mL
Pitchers	0.5 µg/mL

A swab result has no unit that compares to these numbers. A dish can pass a swab and still release more lead than the cup limit, and the swab will not tell you. Decorative ceramics that contain lead must carry a warning such as “Not for Food Use—May Poison Food” under 21 CFR 109.16; never use those for food, whatever a swab says.

Glassware with painted rims and decals

Glasses, mugs and tumblers with colored designs near the top are a common worry. There is a dedicated laboratory method for them: ASTM C927 measures lead and cadmium extracted from the lip and rim area of glass tumblers decorated on the outside with ceramic glass enamels. ASTM calls it a severe test, not a measure of real use.

We found no federal consumer guide specifically for decorated drinking glasses. CDPH’s tableware guidance is the practical rule: decorations where food, drink or lips touch, including the rim, deserve the most caution, especially when worn. If a glass has a painted band or decal that reaches the area where your mouth goes, swab that band, and if it reacts, retire the glass to display or use it only for things like pens. A negative swab on a glossy enamel does not clear it, for the same coating reason as glazes.

Vintage china and lead crystal

Vintage china. CDPH lists antique tableware handed down in families or found in antique stores, flea markets and garage sales among the pieces most likely to contain lead, because they were made before lead in tableware was regulated. It also flags corroded glaze or a dusty, chalky gray residue after washing as a possible serious hazard. CDPH notes that plain white dishes rarely contain lead. A swab is a fair first check on old china, but heirlooms you want to use daily are worth a lab test.

Lead crystal. Lead crystal contains lead by design, so a swab tells you little. We found no current FDA consumer page on it. The EPA advises avoiding storing or serving food and liquids in lead crystal. CDPH says occasional use is unlikely to expose you to large amounts unless liquids have been stored in it, that children should never eat or drink from leaded crystal, and that food or alcohol should not be stored in crystal decanters because leaching increases with time. A 1992 study in the American Journal of Public Health measured 100 to 1,800 µg/L of lead in drinks stored in decanters from 14 makers.

How to swab a dish correctly

Read the kit’s own instructions. Activation differs: some swabs have crushable vials, some need water or white vinegar. Note what the maker says the kit is for.
Clean and dry the surface. Remove food residue and grease so the swab touches the glaze.
Test the food-contact areas. Swab the inside of cups and bowls, the eating surface of plates, and the rim. Use a fresh swab for each spot and each color in the decoration.
Focus on the risky spots. Worn, chipped, crazed or chalky areas, raised decorations and bright reds, oranges and yellows, which the FDA lists among higher-risk signs.
Rub firmly for the time stated and read the color in good light within the time window the kit gives. Use the kit’s confirmation card if it has one.

Do not scrape or chip a glaze to “get under it.” It damages the dish and still won’t show how much lead leaches into food. The FDA also notes that no amount of washing or boiling removes lead from pottery.

What a negative result does not prove

It does not prove the dish is lead-free. Lead under an intact glaze or enamel may not reach the swab. One kit maker below states this on its own listing.
It does not show the dish meets FDA limits, which are measured by a leach test.
It does not account for use. CDPH says heating, storing food and acidic foods and drinks (citrus, tomatoes, soy sauce, juice, cola, coffee, tea, alcohol) all increase leaching, and the dishwasher can damage a leaded glaze over time.

Home kits compared with lab testing

Method	What it tells you	Limits	Cost (published)
Rhodizonate swab (pink/red)	Lead dissolved from the surface at one spot	Not EPA-recognized for ceramics or glass; misses lead under intact glaze or coating; no amount	Easy@Home 30 swabs about $8; LeadCheck 8 swabs about $39 (Amazon, Oct 2026)
Sulfide swab (gray/black)	Same idea, different reagent	Same limits; dark colors are hard to read on dark glazes	Not compared here
Fluorescent spray and UV light	Maker says lead on the surface glows under UV	Maker’s claims only; no EPA or CPSC evaluation found	Fluoro-SPEC about $63 (Amazon, Oct 2026)
Lab leach test (ASTM C738; C927 for glass rims)	How much lead leaches into acid, comparable to FDA action levels	Few labs take single household pieces; may need several units; may be destructive	No consumer price published by labs we checked
Ask the seller or maker	Whether current tableware meets Prop 65 or FDA limits	Only works for dishes still on sale	Free

For a wider look at home screens versus lab numbers, see home lead test vs lab testing.

The best lead test kit for dishes: screening only

There is no “best” kit in the sense of one that can clear a dish, because no home kit is recognized for ceramics or glass. If you want a quick screen, these were in stock on Amazon when checked in October 2026. For paint, see our best lead paint test kits.

Many spots, low cost

Easy@Home Lead Test Kit, 30 Rapid Testing Swabs

30 swabs, pink or red in 30 seconds; white vinegar needed, not included
Maker: cannot detect lead under intact baked ceramic glazes
About $8, seen October 2026

Check price on Amazon

Known swab brand

LeadCheck Swabs, Instant Lead Test, 8 Swabs

Rhodizonate swab, turns red; confirmation card
EPA-recognized for paint only, not ceramics
About $39, seen October 2026

Check price on Amazon

Different method

Fluoro-SPEC Instant Lead Test Kit with UV Light

Spray reagent, UV flashlight, maker: up to 3,600 uses
Maker's sensitivity claims not independently evaluated
About $63, seen October 2026

Check price on Amazon

Getting a laboratory leach test

Ceramic leach testing to ASTM C738 is mostly sold to manufacturers and importers. When we checked in October 2026, we could not confirm a US lab that publishes a consumer price for testing a single household dish, so we do not name one. To find one:

Ask testing labs whether they run ASTM C738 (ceramics) or ASTM C927 (decorated glass rims) for individuals, and whether they are accredited (ISO/IEC 17025) for that method.
Ask how many pieces they need, whether the test damages them, the turnaround and the price per piece.
Make sure you get a leach result in µg/mL, not just a total-lead or XRF reading, so you can compare it with the FDA table above.
For dishes still on sale, CDPH suggests asking the store or the manufacturer whether they meet Proposition 65 standards.

For lead testing in your home itself, see find a lead professional.

If a dish tests positive

Stop using it for food and drink. The FDA strongly advises against using pottery with leachable lead for cooking, serving or storing food or drinks.
Keep it as decoration or retire it. Label it so no one uses it by mistake, and keep it out of the dishwasher with other dishes.
Report new products. If you bought it new in the US, you can report it to the FDA; CDPH lists the FDA as the agency for import and retail violations.
Think about who used it. If a child ate or drank from it regularly, the FDA suggests asking a health care provider about a blood lead test. If you are pregnant and used it, mention it to your provider too. For urgent questions, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. See lead poisoning for what official sources say about health effects.

Other everyday sources are on our lead in household items hub.

Frequently asked questions

Do lead test kits work on dishes?

Partly. The FDA says swab kits can be used on pottery and a color change means you should stop using the piece for food. But no kit is EPA-recognized for ceramics, and the CPSC found home kits often miss lead in consumer products, so a negative result does not prove a dish is safe.

Can I use a lead test kit on glassware?

You can swab painted bands and decals on the outside rim of a glass as a screen. Undecorated glass is not where official guidance points the concern, and lead crystal contains lead by design, so a swab is not useful there. The lab method for decorated glass rims is ASTM C927.

Is a lead test kit for china different from one for ceramics?

No. Kits sold for dishes, china and ceramics use the same swab chemistry as paint kits. What changes is where you test: the glaze, the decorations and the rim.

My dish tested negative. Can I use it?

If it is a modern, commercially made dish in good condition, the FDA says it is much less likely to be a problem. If it is old, handmade, worn or of unknown origin, a negative swab is not enough: use it for display, or get a lab leach test before using it for food, especially for children.

October 10, 2026

Lead in Toys and Jewelry: Federal Limits, Recalls and How to Check

Toys and children’s jewelry sold in the US must meet strict federal lead limits, but older, imported and online-marketplace items still turn up with too much lead. Under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA), children’s products may contain no more than 100 parts per million (ppm) of lead in any accessible part, and no more than 90 ppm in paint or surface coatings.

A parent sorting a box of children's toys on the sofa

In short: the 100 ppm total-lead limit has applied to children’s products, meaning those designed mainly for children 12 and younger, since August 14, 2011; the 90 ppm paint limit since August 2009. Makers must have children’s products tested by a CPSC-accepted lab. The CDC advises not letting children play with toys made before 2009, being careful with imported and antique toys and toy jewelry, and checking CPSC recalls. Cheap metal jewelry is the classic danger: a child who swallows or mouths a lead charm can be seriously poisoned. Home swab tests are not reliable enough to clear a toy. If a child swallows a piece of jewelry or a small metal part, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or 911 for severe symptoms.

The federal limits

The CPSIA tightened lead rules for children’s products in steps. The CPSC is the agency that enforces them.

Rule	Limit	In effect since	Applies to
Total lead content (substrate)	100 ppm in any accessible part	August 14, 2011 (after 600 ppm from February 2009 and 300 ppm from August 2009)	Children’s products: designed or intended mainly for children 12 and younger
Lead in paint and surface coatings	90 ppm (0.009%)	August 14, 2009	Children’s products, certain furniture, household paint, toys and playground equipment for children 12 and under

A few details that matter for parents:

“Accessible” parts. The 100 ppm limit applies to parts a child can touch or reach. Lead sealed inside a product where a child cannot reach it under normal use and abuse is treated differently.
Paint vs material. If a coating can be scraped off, the CPSC treats it as paint, subject to the 90 ppm limit; the material underneath must meet the 100 ppm limit.
Testing and certificates. Makers and importers of children’s products must have them tested by a CPSC-accepted third-party laboratory and issue a Children’s Product Certificate.
Exceptions. Some materials and items have exemptions or different limits, such as certain electronic components, metal parts of bicycles and ordinary books. Used children’s products sold second-hand are generally excluded from the total-lead limit, but that exclusion does not cover children’s metal jewelry.
Adult items. These limits are for children’s products. Jewelry and other items made for adults are not covered by the children’s lead limit, which is one reason the CDC warns about children handling adult jewelry.

Why jewelry is the biggest worry

Children’s metal jewelry has a long history of lead problems, and it is easy to swallow. The most serious case on record in the US came in 2006, when a 4-year-old in Minnesota died of lead poisoning after swallowing a heart-shaped charm from a bracelet given away with children’s shoes. The CDC’s report on the case led to a recall of 300,000 bracelets, and a CPSC document says the charm was 99.1% lead.

It was not the first such case. A CDC report from 2009 notes that an earlier case, in Oregon in 2004, led to the recall of 150 million pieces of imported metal toy jewelry sold in vending machines. Today, children’s metal jewelry is singled out in federal rules: unlike most used children’s products, it stays subject to the 100 ppm limit even when sold second-hand.

In 2016, the CDC described an infant in Connecticut who developed lead poisoning from wearing and mouthing a metal bracelet, and urged caregivers to be aware of the risk from handmade or adult metal jewelry.

Recalls continue. In January 2025, the CPSC announced a recall of about 6,900 Yaomiao children’s jewelry sets sold only on Amazon from January 2022 to March 2024, because they contained lead above the federal limit and cadmium. The CPSC said to stop using the sets, keep them away from children and dispose of them for a refund.

Which toys are higher risk

The CDC says some toys, especially imported toys, antique toys and toy jewelry, may contain lead. Watch for:

Toys made before 2009. The CDC advises not letting children play with toys made before 2009, when the CPSIA’s tighter limits began to take effect. That includes hand-me-downs, garage-sale finds and heirlooms.
Painted metal or painted wood toys of unknown age or origin.
Cheap metal jewelry, charms, key chains and trinkets, especially from vending machines or unknown online sellers.
Adult jewelry and keys that babies and toddlers chew on.
Imported items from sellers that cannot show compliance with US rules.

The CDC also suggests buying toys and children’s products made by major brands and sold at reputable retailers, which are more likely to meet the rules. Children’s cups and bottles have been recalled for accessible lead solder too; see lead in Stanley cups.

How to check whether a toy or jewelry has been recalled

Search CPSC.gov/Recalls. Search by product name, brand or type (for example “children’s jewelry lead”). Recall notices show photos, model numbers, where it was sold and the remedy.
Check SaferProducts.gov. The CPSC’s public database lets you read and file reports about unsafe products. A CPSC spokesperson told TODAY in 2024 that each report is reviewed and can lead to a recall.
Use the CDC’s recall list. The CDC keeps a page of recent lead-related recalls of children’s products, foods, cosmetics and medicines, with links to CPSC and FDA notices.
Sign up for alerts. The CPSC offers email recall alerts. Keep order confirmations so you can match model numbers and claim a refund.
Follow the remedy. Recall notices tell you to stop using the item and how to get a refund or replacement. Do not resell or donate recalled children’s products.

Can you test toys or jewelry at home?

Not reliably. A CPSC staff study in 2007 tested home lead kits on paints and other products and found 56 false negatives (lead was there, the kit missed it) and two false positives out of 104 results. The CPSC said consumers should not rely on these kits, that kits did not consistently detect lead under a non-lead coating, and that they are poorly suited to low concentrations. The current federal limits are very low (100 ppm and 90 ppm), and a swab cannot tell you whether a toy meets them.

The EPA recognizes certain swab kits only for paint on wood, ferrous metal, drywall and plaster, not for toys or jewelry. If you need a real answer, a laboratory using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) or chemical analysis can measure lead content. For most families, the practical rule is simpler: if a toy or piece of jewelry is old, cheap metal, of unknown origin or recalled, take it away from the child. Our home lead test vs lab testing guide and lead test kits hub explain the options.

Everyday steps for families

Keep metal jewelry, charms and keys away from babies and toddlers, and never let a child mouth them.
Store adult jewelry out of reach.
Wash children’s hands often and wash toys regularly, as the CDC advises; dust from old paint and soil can collect on toys.
Check hand-me-downs and second-hand finds against CPSC recalls; set aside anything made before 2009.
If a child swallows a piece of jewelry or a metal part, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away, or 911 if the child has trouble breathing, is vomiting repeatedly or has a seizure.
If a child has been mouthing a doubtful item for a while, ask the pediatrician about a blood lead test. Most children with lead in their blood show no obvious symptoms.

More on lead in daily life is on our lead in household items hub, including pottery and dishes and cinnamon and spices. For health questions, see lead poisoning and lead and children.

Frequently asked questions

What is the legal limit for lead in toys?

Children’s products, those designed mainly for children 12 and younger, may contain no more than 100 ppm of total lead in any accessible part, and no more than 90 ppm in paint or surface coatings, under the CPSIA as enforced by the CPSC.

Is lead in jewelry dangerous?

It can be, especially for young children who mouth or swallow it. A child in Minnesota died in 2006 after swallowing a charm made almost entirely of lead. Keep metal jewelry away from small children and check CPSC recalls.

Are old toys safe to give to children?

The CDC advises not letting children play with toys made before 2009, when tighter federal lead limits began to take effect. Keep vintage toys for display.

Do adult jewelry limits exist?

The federal 100 ppm limit is for children’s products. Jewelry made for adults is not covered by that limit, which is why the CDC warns caregivers about children handling adult or handmade metal jewelry.

What should I do with a recalled toy or piece of jewelry?

Stop using it and keep it away from children right away. Follow the remedy in the CPSC notice, which is usually a refund or replacement from the company, and do not resell or give the item away.

Does washing a toy remove lead?

Washing removes dust and soil that collect on a toy’s surface, which is why the CDC recommends it. It does not remove lead that is part of the paint or the material itself.

How do I report a toy I think has lead?

File a report at SaferProducts.gov, the CPSC’s public database. If a child may have swallowed it, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 first.

October 10, 2026

Lead in Pottery and Dishes: Glazes, FDA Rules and Testing

Some pottery and dishes can release lead into food and drink, mostly through glazes that contain lead or were fired badly. The FDA says the highest-risk pieces are handmade traditional pottery, antiques, worn or damaged ware, and dishes bought from flea markets or street vendors, while ordinary commercially made dishes are much less likely to be a problem.

A woman moving decorative pottery to a display shelf

In short: the FDA sets limits on how much lead may leach out of ceramic dishes in a standard laboratory test, and it says pottery that releases lead above those limits is adulterated and must not be labeled “lead free.” Decorative ceramics that contain lead must carry a warning such as “Not for Food Use—May Poison Food.” If a piece is old, handmade, chipped or of unknown origin, the FDA’s advice is not to use it for cooking, serving or storing food or drinks unless a test shows it is safe. Home swab kits can show leachable lead but cannot prove a dish is safe. A laboratory leach test is the reliable answer.

This page summarizes what the FDA, CDC, CPSC and California’s Prop 65 program say. If a child ate or drank from a piece you are worried about, the FDA advises talking to a health care provider about a blood lead test.

How lead gets into dishes

Ceramic glazes are glassy coatings fused onto clay in a kiln, and some glazes contain lead. The FDA’s concern is not lead in the glaze as such but lead that leaches out into food, which depends on how the glaze was made and fired.

The FDA explains two ways this happens with traditional pottery:

Low firing. If pottery is not fired at a high enough temperature, lead in the glaze may not fuse properly and can leach into food.
Old kilns. Many folk potters have switched to non-lead glazes, but if they still fire in kilns that were used for lead glazes, residue can contaminate pottery sold as “lead free.” Local health authorities have told the FDA that some Mexican traditional pottery labeled “lead free” released lead at levels similar to lead-glazed ware.

Wear matters too. Chips, cracks and worn glaze on antique or heavily used dishes can expose more of the surface.

Which pottery and dishes are higher risk

The FDA lists these “problem types” of pottery:

Handmade, with a crude appearance or irregular shape
Antique
Damaged or excessively worn
Bought from flea markets or street vendors
Brightly decorated in orange, red or yellow

The FDA notes that commercially made, everyday pottery is much less likely to cause problems. The CDC’s list of lead-related recalls also warns that vintage and antique dishware may contain lead.

What the FDA requires

Limits on leachable lead

The FDA does not ban lead in ceramic glazes outright. Instead, its Compliance Policy Guide (CPG) Sec. 545.450 sets action levels for how much lead leaches out of ceramic ware in a standard acid test (ASTM C738). Ware above these levels may be treated as adulterated.

Type of ceramic ware	FDA action level (lead in leaching solution)
Flatware (plates, saucers), average of 6 units	3.0 µg/mL
Small hollowware (bowls, other than cups and mugs)	2.0 µg/mL
Large hollowware (other than pitchers)	1.0 µg/mL
Cups and mugs	0.5 µg/mL
Pitchers	0.5 µg/mL

Traditional pottery and “lead free” labels

The FDA’s November 2010 guidance for industry on imported traditional pottery says pottery with extractable lead above the action levels may be considered adulterated, and that ware releasing lead should not be labeled “lead free.” It urges makers to keep non-lead and lead-glazed production separate, including modifying kilns once used for lead glazes.

Decorative ware must be labeled

Under 21 CFR 109.16, ceramic ware that is meant only for decoration and contains lead must carry a conspicuous warning that it is not for food use, for example “Not for Food Use—May Poison Food.” The FDA says ware that looks suitable for food is treated as food ware unless it carries that warning. Never use a piece with that kind of label for food or drink, even for dry snacks.

Imports

FDA Import Alert 52-08 allows detention of ceramicware with lead or cadmium problems at the border. That screens some shipments but cannot catch every piece brought home in a suitcase or sold online by small sellers.

Cookware too

In December 2024, the FDA warned retailers and distributors that certain imported aluminum, brass and aluminum-alloy cookware (sold as Hindalium/Hindolium or Indalium/Indolium) can leach lead into food and should not be sold in the US. The FDA learned of the problem through testing by Public Health – Seattle & King County and high blood lead levels among resettled refugee families.

California Prop 65 warnings

California’s Proposition 65 requires businesses to warn people before exposing them to chemicals on the state’s list, and lead has been on that list since 1987 for reproductive toxicity. The state’s “safe harbor” level for lead as a reproductive toxicant is 0.5 micrograms per day. A Prop 65 warning on a dish means the seller decided a warning was needed; it is not a lab result telling you how much lead your dish releases, and a dish without one is not proven lead-free. If you see a warning, read the maker’s guidance or contact them before using the piece for food.

Can you test dishes at home?

The FDA says lead-testing kits sold in hardware stores and online can be used on pottery, and that in most kits the swab changes color if lead leaches onto it. If a test shows leachable lead, the FDA strongly advises not using that piece for cooking, serving or storing food or drinks.

Know the limits before relying on a swab:

A positive result is a useful warning. Stop using the piece for food.
A negative result does not prove safety. A CPSC staff study found home lead kits missed lead in about half of the tests (56 false negatives out of 104 results) on paints and other products, and noted that kits were designed for paint with high lead levels, not low concentrations. The FDA’s limits for cups and mugs are very low.
Swab kits are not EPA-recognized for ceramics. The EPA recognizes certain swab kits only for paint on wood, ferrous metal, drywall and plaster. Our lead test kits hub explains which kit is for what.
Surface only. A swab tests a spot on the surface. It cannot tell how much lead would leach into acidic food over hours, which is what the FDA limits measure.

The FDA’s simple fallback: if you cannot test the piece or confirm who made it, consider not using it for food or drink.

Laboratory testing

A laboratory leach test is the reliable way to know whether a dish meets the FDA limits. The FDA method soaks the surface in a weak acid solution (ASTM C738) and measures how much lead comes out. Before you send anything, ask the lab whether it offers this test for consumers, and ask:

Which method it uses (ASTM C738 or an equivalent leach test, not just a total-lead or surface reading)
Whether it is accredited for metals testing
How many pieces it needs and whether the test damages them

We do not list prices because they vary by lab. Our home lead test vs lab testing guide explains when lab testing is worth it, and find a lead professional covers labs and inspectors for your home.

Practical steps for your kitchen

Sort your dishes. Set aside antique, handmade, chipped, worn or brightly decorated pieces of unknown origin.
Keep doubtful pieces for display. Use them as decoration, not for food or drink, until tested.
Do not store food in them. Never use a doubtful piece to store food or drinks, and follow the FDA’s advice to avoid it for cooking and serving too.
Read labels. Respect “Not for Food Use” and similar warnings.
Check recalls. The CDC and CPSC list recalled products, and FDA import alerts name problem ceramicware.
Remember that washing does not help. The FDA notes that washing or boiling cannot remove lead from pottery.
Ask about testing. If a child ate or drank from a doubtful piece regularly, ask a health care provider about a blood lead test. For urgent questions, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

More everyday sources are on our lead in household items hub, including cinnamon and spices, toys and jewelry and Stanley cups. For health questions, see lead poisoning and lead and children.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my dishes have lead?

You cannot tell by looking. The FDA lists higher-risk signs: handmade, antique, worn or damaged, bought from flea markets or street vendors, or brightly colored in orange, red or yellow. A home swab can flag leachable lead; a lab leach test is the reliable answer.

Is “lead free” pottery always safe?

Not always. The FDA says some traditional pottery labeled “lead free” has released lead at levels similar to lead-glazed pottery, for example when fired in kilns once used for lead glazes.

Are modern dishes from big brands safe?

The FDA says commercially made, everyday pottery is much less likely to cause lead problems. The FDA’s leaching limits apply to ceramic ware sold in the US for food use.

Can I still use old dishes for decoration?

Yes. The concern is lead leaching into food and drink. Keeping antique or doubtful pieces for display only is a common way to enjoy them safely.

Does a Prop 65 warning mean my dish is dangerous?

It means the seller decided a California warning was needed for a listed chemical such as lead. It does not tell you how much lead the dish releases. Contact the maker or test the piece before using it for food.

October 10, 2026

Lead in Stanley Cups: What the Sealing Pellet Means for You

Yes, many Stanley tumblers contain a small amount of lead, but not where your drink goes. Stanley says the lead is in a sealing pellet at the bottom of the vacuum-insulated wall, covered by a stainless steel cap, and that no lead is present on any surface that touches you or what you drink.

A person inspecting the base of a tumbler

In short: in January 2024, after viral videos of people testing their cups, Stanley confirmed it uses an “industry standard pellet” containing some lead to seal the vacuum insulation, covered by a durable stainless steel layer. Experts quoted by TODAY and NBC News said there is no exposure while that cover stays on; the concern is a damaged or missing base cap, especially around young children who might chew or mouth it. The CPSC has recalled several children’s insulated cups from other brands whose lead solder at the base was accessible. If a base cap has come off, keep the cup away from children and contact the maker.

This guide reports what Stanley and the experts said at the time, and what the CPSC has done with similar products. It is not a lab result for any specific cup, and nobody we cite measured how much lead each pellet contains.

What happened in 2024

In January 2024, social media videos showed people swabbing the bottoms of Stanley tumblers with home lead test kits, some of which changed color. The tumblers were at the height of their popularity, and the posts spread quickly.

Stanley’s parent company, Pacific Market International (PMI), responded with a statement that several news outlets published. In short, Stanley said:

Its manufacturing process uses an industry-standard pellet to seal the vacuum insulation at the base of its products, and the sealing material includes some lead.
Once sealed, the area is covered with a durable stainless steel layer that makes it inaccessible to consumers.
No lead is present on the surface of any Stanley product that comes into contact with the consumer or the contents of the product.
Its products meet all US regulatory requirements, including California’s Proposition 65, and it said its engineering and supply chain teams were making progress on alternative sealing materials.

Stanley’s current support page repeats that the vacuum insulation is sealed with pellets that include some lead and are covered by a stainless steel layer, that no lead is on surfaces that touch the consumer or the drink, and that if the base cap comes off during ordinary use the product may be covered by its Lifetime Warranty.

In February 2024, NBC News reported that a potential class action had been filed against PMI, alleging that the company had not disclosed the lead or warned about exposure if the seal is damaged. PMI said exposure potential was minimal. NBC did not report an outcome, and we have not confirmed one.

Why insulated tumblers use a sealing pellet

A vacuum-insulated tumbler has two stainless steel walls with the air pumped out between them. That vacuum is what keeps ice frozen for hours. To close the vacuum, makers seal a small opening, usually at the bottom of the outer wall, with a pellet or dot of sealing material, then cover it with a steel cap or plate.

Stanley called its pellet an industry standard. CPSC recall notices show that other brands have used lead solder at the same spot, as we cover below. So the question for any insulated cup is not only whether it contains lead somewhere, but whether that lead can be reached.

Is there a contact risk? What experts said

An article published by TODAY on NBC News on January 24, 2024 asked several lead specialists. Their views, summarized:

Expert	What they said
Ronnie Levin, former EPA scientist, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health	If the base barrier stays intact, there is no lead exposure and no risk from owning the cup. A single touch of exposed lead is unlikely to poison someone, but a child who mouths an exposed base could be contaminated.
Jenna Forsyth, Stanford University School of Medicine	Touching exposed lead once is low risk; swallowing lead is what matters most. Scraping the exposed spot on hard surfaces could flake off tiny pieces.
Dr. Vicki Iannotti, pediatrician, Columbia University	Repeated exposure is the main worry, not a single incident.
Paul Allwood, CDC lead poisoning prevention branch	Spoke generally: even low lead levels once thought safe are now linked to harm. He did not comment on Stanley cups specifically.

Other reporting from the same period quoted Jack Caravanos of New York University’s School of Global Public Health saying there is practically zero risk of ingesting the lead in the cup. Several experts added that they would still rather companies used no lead at all.

The picture from these experts is consistent: an intact cup is not a lead source for your drink. A cup whose bottom cap has fallen off is a different story, because the sealing material may then be exposed where small hands and mouths can reach it.

What the CPSC has done with similar cups

Stanley tumblers are general-use products, not children’s products. Children’s products face the federal lead content limit of 100 parts per million in any accessible part. The CPSC has used that rule to recall several children’s insulated cups whose lead solder was accessible:

Green Sprouts toddler stainless steel bottles and cups (November 2022, about 10,500 units): the bottom base can break off, exposing a solder dot that contains lead. The firm had seven reports of bases breaking off and no injuries.
PandaEar stainless steel children’s cups (November 2023, about 1,600 units, sold on Amazon): an accessible solder bead on the bottom exterior had lead above the federal limit.
Klickpick Home stainless steel children’s cup sets (November 2023, about 3,600 units, sold on Amazon): same problem, an accessible solder bead on the bottom.
CUPKIN stainless steel children’s cups (July 2023, about 346,000 units): lead above the federal limit in the cups.

A CPSC spokesperson told TODAY at the time that consumers can report lead concerns about any product at SaferProducts.gov, and that each report is reviewed.

How to check your Stanley or any other insulated tumbler

Look at the bottom. Most insulated cups have a steel cap or plate over the seal. If it is intact and firmly attached, the experts above said there is no exposure from the seal.
If the cap is loose, dented or missing, stop letting children use or handle the cup. Do not pick at, scrape or file the exposed spot. Contact the maker; Stanley says a base cap that comes off in ordinary use may be covered by its warranty.
Check recalls. Search the brand on CPSC.gov/Recalls, especially for children’s cups and sippy cups. The CDC’s list of lead-related recalls also includes stainless steel bottles and sippy cups.
Choose children’s cups with care. For cups marketed to children, check the CPSC recall list and buy from sellers that can show compliance with the federal lead limits for children’s products.
Be cautious with home swab tests. The bright-colored swabs people used in the videos are made for paint. The EPA recognizes certain kits only for paint on wood, ferrous metal, drywall and plaster. A CPSC staff study found home lead kits often gave false negatives and some false positives on paints and other products. A color change on a cup’s bottom does not tell you whether the drink is exposed. For a real answer about a specific product, you need a laboratory test, for example with an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer, the kind of instrument the CPSC uses; see home lead test vs lab testing.

Should you worry if you have used one for years?

If the base cap has always been in place, the experts quoted by TODAY said the cup was not exposing you to lead. If a cap came off and a child chewed or mouthed the base, or you are worried for any other reason, talk to your doctor or your child’s pediatrician; a blood lead test is the only way to know whether someone has been exposed. For urgent questions, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Most lead exposure in the US still comes from familiar sources: old paint and dust, lead pipes, soil and certain imported products. Our lead and children page and the lead poisoning hub explain them. For other everyday items, see our lead in household items hub, including pottery and dishes, toys and jewelry and cinnamon and spices.

Frequently asked questions

Do Stanley cups have lead?

Stanley says the sealing pellet at the base of its vacuum-insulated products includes some lead, covered by a stainless steel layer. It says no lead is on any surface that touches you or your drink.

Can lead from a Stanley cup get into my drink?

According to Stanley and the experts quoted in early 2024 coverage, no: the lead is outside the drinking chamber, under a steel cap on the outer wall. Exposure is only possible if that cap comes off and someone touches or mouths the seal.

What should I do if the bottom of my Stanley cup fell off?

Keep it away from children, do not scrape the exposed spot and contact Stanley, which says a base cap that comes off during ordinary use may be covered by its Lifetime Warranty.

Are other tumbler brands lead-free?

Some makers say their cups use lead-free seals; we have not verified individual brand claims. CPSC has recalled several children’s insulated cups whose lead solder at the base was accessible, so check the CPSC recall list for any cup a child uses.

Can I test my cup with a home lead swab?

You can, but the result will not tell you much. Swab kits are made for paint, and the CPSC has found home kits unreliable on other materials. A laboratory test is the only reliable way to measure lead in a specific product.

October 10, 2026

Lead in Cinnamon and Spices: FDA Alerts, Recalls and What to Do

Some ground cinnamon sold in the US has contained elevated levels of lead, and the FDA has asked consumers to throw away specific brands and lots. The worst case, the 2023 cinnamon applesauce pouches, sickened hundreds of children; later FDA alerts since 2024 have covered a growing list of ground cinnamon brands with much lower, but still concerning, lead levels.

A woman checking a spice jar at her kitchen counter

In short: in late 2023, WanaBana, Schnucks and Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches were recalled after cinnamon from Ecuador was found to contain lead chromate; the CDC counted 519 confirmed, probable and suspected cases in 44 states, DC and Puerto Rico. Since March 2024, FDA alerts have named ground cinnamon from a series of brands, mostly sold at discount and ethnic grocery stores, with lead from about 2 to over 10 parts per million (ppm). The FDA says to check your pantry, throw away listed products and talk to a health care provider about a blood lead test if you think you or your child were exposed. The FDA’s alert pages are the up-to-date list.

This guide sums up what the FDA and CDC have published. It is not medical advice. If a child may have been exposed, call your doctor or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

The 2023 cinnamon applesauce pouch recall

In late October 2023, WanaBana recalled its apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches after North Carolina health officials traced elevated blood lead levels in four young children to the pouches. On November 9, 2023 the recall was expanded to Schnucks cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety packs and to Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches.

According to the FDA’s investigation:

The cinnamon came from Negasmart, a supplier in Ecuador, and was used by the manufacturer, Austrofoods. Ecuadorian officials named a cinnamon processor, Carlos Aguilera, as the likely source.
Samples of the cinnamon contained up to 5,110 ppm of lead. A recalled pouch sampled at a Dollar Tree store contained 2.18 ppm of lead. The cinnamon also contained high chromium.
The FDA confirmed the lead and chromium came from lead chromate, and its leading hypothesis is economically motivated adulteration: the compound may have been added to make the cinnamon weigh more or look brighter.
As of March 22, 2024, the CDC counted 136 confirmed, 345 probable and 38 suspected cases, 519 in total, across 44 states, Washington DC and Puerto Rico. The FDA separately received 90 adverse event reports; the two counts use different data and should not be added together.
The FDA sent a warning letter to Austrofoods in August 2024 and one to Dollar Tree in June 2024 for failing to pull recalled pouches from shelves. Austrofoods and Negasmart were placed on FDA import alerts.

The FDA’s advice for the pouches still applies if you find one: do not eat, sell or serve it; open it and empty it into the trash before throwing away the packaging; clean up spills and wash your hands; and if a child may have eaten one, ask a health care provider about a blood lead test.

The ground cinnamon alerts, 2024 to 2026

After the pouch recall, the FDA ran a targeted survey of ground cinnamon from discount retail stores. That led to two public health alerts, which it has updated as more products were found.

March 6, 2024 alert

The FDA’s first alert named ground cinnamon sold under six brands: La Fiesta, Marcum, MK, Swad, Supreme Tradition and El Chilar, sold at stores including Save A Lot, Patel Brothers, Dollar Tree and Family Dollar. Lead levels ranged from 2.03 to 3.40 ppm. The FDA noted these levels are far lower than the 2,270 to 5,110 ppm in the cinnamon tied to the applesauce pouches, but said prolonged exposure to them may be unsafe.

July 30, 2024 alert, updated through September 2026

The FDA published a second alert on July 30, 2024 and has added products several times since. As of its September 28, 2026 update, the alert lists ground cinnamon from these brands, among others:

Brands in the FDA alert (as of Sept. 28, 2026)
Lior Gourmet Spices (Galil), Lucky Foods, Venzu Traders, DEVI, BaiLiFeng, Roshni, HAETAE (HT)
Durra, Wise Wife, Jiva Organics, Super Brand, Asli, El Chilar, Marcum
SWAD, Supreme Tradition, Compania Indillor Orientale, ALB Flavor, Shahzada, Spice Class, La Frontera

The FDA’s text describes lead levels of 2.03 to 7.68 ppm, while its product table shows readings up to about 10.7 ppm. Several companies issued their own recalls in 2025 and 2026, including Wise Wife (SLR Food Distribution, September 2025), Durra (Eureka, October 2025), HAETAE (Haitai, October 2025), DEVI (Homeneeds, October 2025) and Lior (Galil Importing, September 2026). Specific lots, sizes and stores are listed on the FDA pages; the brand name alone does not mean every product from that brand is affected.

The FDA said no illnesses or adverse events had been reported in connection with the ground cinnamon products in the alert. It asks consumers to throw them away and not buy them.

What the numbers mean

The figures above are lead concentrations in the spice itself, in parts per million. A teaspoon of cinnamon weighs only a few grams, so the amount eaten in one meal is small. The concern, in the FDA’s words, is that prolonged exposure to these products may be unsafe and could contribute to elevated blood lead levels, especially for children who eat cinnamon often.

The FDA has not published a single legal limit for lead in spices. For context, its January 2025 guidance for industry set action levels for lead in processed food for babies and young children: 10 parts per billion (ppb) for fruits, most vegetables, mixtures, yogurts, custards and single-ingredient meats, and 20 ppb for single-ingredient root vegetables and dry infant cereals. Those levels apply to packaged baby foods, not to spices, and are not binding, but they show how low the agency aims to keep lead in children’s food under its Closer to Zero plan.

What consumers should do

Check your pantry. Ground cinnamon keeps for a long time, so the FDA says to look for listed products even if you bought them months ago. Compare the brand, size and lot or date codes with the FDA alert table.
Throw listed products away. Do not use, sell or give them away. If you are not sure whether your cinnamon is affected, the FDA’s advice is the safer path: do not use it.
Think about who ate it. If a child, or someone who is pregnant, used a listed product regularly, talk to a health care provider about a blood lead test. Most people with lead in their blood have no obvious symptoms. See our blood lead test guide.
Report problems. The FDA asks consumers to report illnesses or complaints to the agency; its alert pages explain how.
Keep watching the list. The FDA updates the alert as it finds more products. Its recalls page and the CDC’s list of lead-related recalls are the best places to check.

Other spices, candies and remedies

Cinnamon is the spice the FDA has acted on most in recent years, but the CDC warns more broadly that certain spices, imported candies and traditional remedies, such as azarcon and greta, may contain lead. Families who buy spices in bulk, bring them back from trips abroad or receive them from relatives are harder to protect by recalls, because those products may never appear on a US label or recall list.

The steps are the same: buy from sellers you can trace, keep an eye on FDA alerts, and if a child has been using a product you are unsure about, ask the doctor about testing. Our lead and children page lists other common sources.

Can you test spices for lead at home?

We know of no home kit that the FDA or EPA recognizes for testing food or spices. The EPA recognizes certain swab kits only for paint on specific surfaces, such as wood, ferrous metal, drywall and plaster, and the CPSC has found that home swab kits give false results on other materials. A food testing laboratory can measure lead in a spice sample; ask the lab what method it uses and whether it is accredited for metals in food. For most families, checking the FDA list and replacing a doubtful jar costs far less than a lab test.

For a clear view of what home kits can and cannot do, see home lead test vs lab testing. Other everyday items are covered on our lead in household items hub, including pottery and dishes, toys and jewelry and Stanley cups. For health questions, see lead poisoning.

Frequently asked questions

Which cinnamon brands have lead?

The FDA’s current alert lists ground cinnamon from brands including Lior, Lucky Foods, Venzu Traders, DEVI, BaiLiFeng, Roshni, HAETAE, Durra, Wise Wife, Jiva Organics, Super Brand, Asli, El Chilar, Marcum, SWAD, Supreme Tradition, Compania Indillor Orientale, ALB Flavor, Shahzada, Spice Class and La Frontera, for specific products and lots. Check the FDA alert for the exact items.

Is cinnamon from major brands safe?

The FDA has not said that all cinnamon is unsafe; its alerts name specific products. Its survey focused on discount retail stores. There is no way to know the lead level of a given jar without testing, so the practical step is to check the FDA list.

What should I do if my child ate recalled cinnamon applesauce?

The FDA says to ask a health care provider about a blood lead test, because most children have no obvious symptoms. If a child has severe symptoms, call 911; for other questions, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Why was there lead in cinnamon?

In the applesauce case, the FDA found lead chromate and believes it was added on purpose to increase weight or color. For the ground cinnamon alerts, the FDA has not named a single cause; one recalling firm pointed to possibly adulterated raw material or lead naturally present in cinnamon.

Does cooking remove lead from cinnamon?

No. Lead is a metal, and heat does not destroy it. The FDA’s advice is simply to throw listed products away.

October 10, 2026