Caution - Do Not Store Beverages in Lead Crystal

By Hklbrries

Dear Heloise: In a recent letter, a reader inquired about removing wine residue from a LEAD-CRYSTAL DECANTER. Please do your readers a service and warn them about a medical directive stating that wine should NEVER be STORED in lead crystal, as lead can and will leach into the wine. In addition, pregnant women are advised against drinking anything from lead crystal. -- Barbara C., Scotch Plains, N.J.

Barbara, yes, you are right. The Food and Drug Administration advises that lead can leach into wine if stored for a LONG TIME in the decanter. However, it’s okay to use this type of decanter for serving wine right away. Additionally, the FDA recommends that all lead crystal should be used with caution, especially with children and women of childbearing age — they should use lead-free crystal, if possible. None of this information is currently on the FDA Web site. However, it is available when you call the FDA (888-463-6332). -- Heloise

P.S.: Many people call all crystal “lead crystal” when it is not.

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