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

Reading Time:2 minutes

Thirteen of 30 tested ceramic bowls and cups were found to release varying levels of lead and cadmium at room temperature. Photo: May Tse

Published: 12:58pm, 16 Sep 2024Updated: 6:59pm, 16 Sep 2024

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.

The Consumer Council said on Monday that 13 of the 30 tested ceramic cups and bowls released lead and cadmium when used at room temperature, but added the varying levels were below the upper limit stipulated by international and mainland Chinese standards.

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.