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 Virginia Administrative Code (Last Updated: January 10, 2017)
 Title 12. Health
 Agency 5. Department of Health
 Chapter 421. Food Regulations

  Section 980. Lead, use limitation  

Latest version.

  • A. Ceramic, china, crystal utensils, and decorative utensils such as hand-painted ceramic or china that are used in contact with food shall be lead-free or contain levels of lead not exceeding the limits of the following utensil categories:P

    Utensil Category

    Ceramic Article Description

    Maximum Lead
    mg/L

    Beverage Mugs, Cups, Pitchers

    Coffee Mugs

    0.5

    Large Hollowware
    (excluding pitchers)

    Bowls > 1.1 Liter
    (1.16 Quart)

    1.0

    Small Hollowware
    (excluding cups and mugs

    Bowls <1.1 Liter
    (1.16 Quart)

    2.0

    Flat tableware

    Plates, Saucers

    3.0

    B. Pewter alloys containing lead in excess of 0.05% may not be used as a food contact surface.P

    C. Solder and flux containing lead in excess of 0.2% may not be used as a food contact surface.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 18, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 07, eff. January 1, 2010; Volume 32, Issue 22, eff. July 12, 2016.

Statutory Authority

§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.