From an article published on the SGS Blog (please see sources below).

Key Points

• Products continue to be at risk for Lead and Cadmium contamination: Based on market surveliience testing done by SGS, over 40% of the tested tableware released heavy metals during laboratory simulation. Specifically, 6 ceramic cups and 5 ceramic bowls released lead from their inner cavities, while 3 cups released cadmium.
• Testing higher-exposure points: Because our lips touch the edge of the vessel, tests were conducted on the upper 2 cm of the rim of the products. Lead was detected on the rims of 3 cups and 3 bowls, and cadmium was found on 2 cup rims.

The findings of this product testing indicate that the presence of heavy metals in ceramic tableware continues to be a challenge for families looking to reduce their potential exposures. Lead is classified as a Group 2A probable carcinogen. Chronic intake can damage the central nervous system in adults and impair neurological and behavioral development in children. Cadmium is a Group 1 known human carcinogen. It targets kidney function and disrupts calcium absorption, leading to chronic kidney damage and increased risks of osteoporosis.

What you can do about it

Watch out for companies who feature content on their websites, often blog posts, about relevant ingredient and material safety topics (e.g. heavy metals in ceramic glazes) but do not actually provide any information about their own safety policies, practices, or standards. We've noticed this tactic being used by several companies including Malacasa and Vancasso. This kind of content seems to be designed with the intent to mislead consumers by masquerading as "educational" information.

This particular product category is difficult to navigate due to the lack of credible ingredient and material safety standards in place at many of the companies who make and sell dinnerware. Avoiding ceramic dinnerware in favor of glass is one option but not suitable for many families. Retailers with more robust safety standards like Ikea may be a better option but we have concerns about their products manufactured in China. We'll continue to research companies and update this blog when we have some Recommended companies.

Posted by SGS on 6/3/2026: https://ticmall.sgs.com/en/blog_details/hl-knowledge-sharing-market-surveillance-series-is-your-favorite-mug-safe-from-heavy-metal-leaching