Norwegians warned about heavy metals in vacation ceramics

Many Norwegians are returning home from their vacations these days, possibly bringing back ceramic items as souvenirs. However, it can be challenging to determine what these ceramics contain. Olav Vatn from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority warns that certain types of ceramics can release harmful amounts of heavy metals when used with acidic foods.

Ceramics, particularly those from Mediterranean regions, may contain heavy metals like lead. Vatn explains that lead is considered toxic because even small quantities can pose health risks. In the Mediterranean, ceramics are often glazed to enhance their colors, but many ceramic glazes contain lead oxide. If not treated properly at the correct temperature, harmful amounts of heavy metals can leach into acidic food and beverages.

Helle Katrine Knutsen, a senior researcher at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, advises consumers to be cautious when purchasing ceramics intended for food and drink. Children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to heavy metal exposure. She stresses that the primary health risks include damage to the nervous system in children, kidney damage, and increased blood pressure.

Vatn encourages consumers to ask sellers whether their products are safe for food contact and to seek assurances that they do not leach lead, cadmium, or barium beyond acceptable limits. For those who have already purchased ceramics, assessing safety might be difficult, but chemical analysis can be conducted at private laboratories for unknown quality items. While ceramics produced in Europe for food contact are generally safe under strict EU regulations, travelers outside of Europe should exercise additional caution, as regulations may not be as robust.