How do you guard against exposure to lead in food?

Consumers can guard against exposure to lead in food by observing the following guidelines:

• If you are pregnant, avoid the daily use of ceramic mugs when drinking hot beverages such as coffee or tea, and avoid the daily use of lead crystal ware.

• Do not feed babies from lead crystal bottles.

• Do not store acidic foods such as fruit juices in ceramic containers.

• Do not store beverages in lead crystal containers.

• Limit the use of antique or collectible housewares for food or beverages to special occasions.

• Stop using items that show a dusty or chalky gray residue on the glaze after they are washed.

• Followed label directions on any ornamental product with a warning such as, "Not for Food Use--Plate May Poison Food. For Decorative Purposes Only."

• If your wine is sealed with a foil capsule, wipe the rim of the bottle with a cloth dampened with water or lemon juice before removing the cork.

FDA is aware of three kits to test for lead leaching from ceramic ware that consumers can use at home. These kits are not always sensitive enough to detect lead at the new lower levels, but they can be valuable for identifying items that release larger amounts of lead, contact the local FDA office, listed in the blue pages of the phone directory, or call FDA headquarters at (301) 443-4667.

The National Safety Council, under a grant from the federal government, maintains a National Lead Information Center with a toll-free number--(1-800) LEAD-FYI, or (1-800)532-3394--where callers may request a Spanish or English language information package. Also, most free lines through which consumers may obtain information about lead levels in their products. Public affairs specialists in FDA district offices can provide consumers with these numbers.