SGS Publishes Overview of Washington State’s Proposal to Restrict Lead in Cookware

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, is advising businesses that the US state of Washington intends to regulate lead in cookware.

House Bill 1551 (companion SB 5605) was introduced in January 2023. If approved, it will restrict lead and lead components in cookware and components.

‘Cookware’ and ‘component’ are defined in the proposed law as:

– Cookware – any metal pots, pans, bakeware, rice cookers, pressure cookers and other containers and devices intended for the preparation or storage of food
– Component – includes separate or distinct parts of the cookware, including, but not limited to, accessories such as lids, knobs, handles and handle assemblies, rivets, fasteners, valves and vent pipes

The proposal also requires the Department of Ecology (DoE) to lower the 5ppm lead limit by rule, if feasible. This will be done in consultation with the Department for Health (DoH).

If approved, the law will come into effect on January 1, 2025.

SGS Food Contact Material Services
SGS’s technical experts have extensive experience of testing materials and articles in contact with food. They can ensure that your products meet the appropriate regulations for food contact materials and pave the way for compliance. SGS offers the full range of testing, including migration tests, along with expert advice on emerging regulations, compliance issues and documentation review. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s Food Contact Material Services.

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Washington State Proposes to Regulate Lead in Cookware SafeGuardS.

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For further information contact:

Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: (+852) 2774 7420

Melanie Schubert
Senior Technical Manager
Tel: +1 312 414 9394

Email: cp.media@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail

About SGS
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 97,000 employees operate a network of 2,650 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

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