Can glazed pottery cookware leach lead into acidic foods?

What's actually in it

Traditional glazed pottery and ceramic cookware often contain lead in the glaze, the shiny coating that makes them smooth and waterproof. Lead-based glazes are still common in handmade and imported pottery, especially pieces sold at markets and border towns. The glaze looks safe, but lead can dissolve into food during cooking.

What the research says

A 2026 study in J Public Health Manag Pract tested glazed pottery sold at the Mexico-U.S. border and found that cooking acidic foods like tomato sauce, citrus, or vinegar-based dishes pulled high levels of soluble lead out of the glaze. The hotter and more acidic the food, the more lead it absorbed.

Lead exposure has no safe level. Even small amounts cause harm to the brain, kidneys, and bones. Children and pregnant women face the biggest risks. Lead from one meal in a glazed pot can exceed the daily limit set by health agencies.

Avoid cooking or storing food in decorative or imported glazed pottery unless it's been tested and certified lead-free. For acidic dishes, stick to stainless steel, enameled cast iron, or certified lead-free ceramic.