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Virginia Administrative Code
Title 12. Health
Agency 5. Department of Health
Chapter 421. Food Regulations
10/30/2025

12VAC5-421-980. Lead, use limitation.

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.

Statutory Authority

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

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 7, eff. January 1, 2010; Volume 32, Issue 22, eff. July 12, 2016.

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