Lead Ban: Options Sought

American ceramic and glass manufacturers are asking the international tableware industry for its views after the FDA banned the use of lead and cadmium in decorations of the lip and rim areas of glassware, due to the alleged health risks caused by lead and cadmium. The SGCD wants manufacturers to report on how the ban affects them, so that it can present a response to the FDA. The ban (taking effect last month) came after the FDA withdrew its endorsement of the SCGD's voluntary industry standard. The ban does not apply to glassware not indented for food use, or glassware decorated in the US exclusively for export. the SCGD is petitioning for the ban to be lifted on glassware, such as barware, which is not intended for use by children.