[Le Creuset] Le Creuset 2.6 L Square Casserole $59 (Reg: $130!)

krazykanuck wrote: ↑ OP, why stop at just the square casserole, here's everything that is on sale

https://www.lecreuset.ca/specials

aintic wrote: ↑ Not sure if they still have it now, but as far as 2014 their ceramic glazes contained elevated levels of cadmium and/or lead, especially in bright colours and with vintage Le Creusets. The company made no warning (!) and just quietly replaced them for people who asked.

Later they phased out lead, but till now still uses high levels of cadmium for the colours. They said their cookware passed CA Prop 65 which is a test for heavy metals leaching into acidic solution. However, they only passed in brand new state. As you use the cookware, the ceramic glaze will wear out, get scratched or chipped. The high levels of heavy metal will then leach into your food.

Certainly not a risk I'd take but if you want to use them, please throw them out once the ceramic glaze gets scratched or worn. Treat them as you would non-stick pans/pots.

davidr519 wrote: ↑ Do you have any evidence backing up the information you're saying? Not that I am saying you're wrong. But I would like to read the research on it. Considering I bought a Le Creuset back in 2013.

aintic wrote: ↑ Tamara Rubin, in the link below, is an independent consumer goods tester trained to use XRF, which is a scientific method used by the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission. She tests things people send in, including cookware, toys, fixtures, small appliances etc

Here are the list of Le Creuset items tested. The brightly coloured Le Creusets usually contain more toxicants. For lead, 90ppm is unsafe for children. For cadmium around 40ppm.

The most elevated levels of lead and cadmium are on the exterior, however the interior does have unsafe levels as well, just not as much. Those amounts are not merely trace amount (naturally existing in raw materials). They were added as a part of manufacturing process and no toxic heavy metals should be added to things we cook, touch, serve and eat from daily.

Note that most regulations and third party testing by manufacturers check for leachable amount of heavy metals in brand new state. Many brands pass with flying colours this way. However, as mentioned, ceramics and ceramic glazes get chipped, scratched and worn. There's no telling how much heavy metals gets leached over time. She tests for the actual amount instead for this reason.

Also, vintage cookware and tableware could be significantly more toxic. Check out vintage Pyrex, Corningware, Corelle, Wedgwood, etc. In fact, most vintage ceramics, enamel, china really. If you have kitchenware from previous generations, consider using them as decorations only.