Consumer Information - Lead in Moroccan Tagines

May 2005

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The Issue:

A tagine (or tajine) is a glazed, often rust-coloured, earthenware platter with a tall conical lid. It is the traditional vessel in which a Moroccan stew, also called tagine, is cooked and served.

In November 2004, the Direction de santé publique de Montréal discovered a few tagines imported from Morocco which could release lead into food, which is harmful to health. These tagines were removed from sale by Health Canada, but there is evidence that similar tagines may have been imported and sold in other local markets.

Potential Risk to Health:

Ceramic glazes are thin coatings baked onto unfinished pottery to make their surfaces glassy, smooth and waterproof. Some glazes used for ceramic products may contain lead oxides. If they are not heated adequately during manufacture, this may result in the release of lead from the product into the food.

Lead poisoning is not always easy to recognize. You may have symptoms similar to the flu, or none at all. Lead can affect male fertility and increase the risk of miscarriages, stillbirths and premature deliveries in pregnant women. Lead is especially harmful to children. Exposure to even low amounts of lead in the womb, during infancy or early childhood can result in lower birth weight, behavioural problems, learning disabilities and reduced intelligence.

Health Canada's Response:

In Canada, glazed ceramics are restricted under the Hazardous Products (Glazed Ceramics and Glassware) Regulations from releasing more than trace amounts of lead into food. The Consumer Product Safety Program of Health Canada has the responsibility of monitoring and enforcing these Regulations under the Hazardous Products Act.

In January 2005, Program Inspectors sampled and tested tagines from various importers in the Montreal area. In cooperation with the local retailers, they seized and destroyed over 1,500 tagines which had the potential to release unsafe levels of lead. Health Canada is continuing to monitor the situation.

What You Can Do:

Lead in food cannot be detected by sight, smell, or taste. It is difficult to determine whether a tagine is safe by its looks alone. However, as a general rule, the greatest risk of lead poisoning tends to come from glazes which develop a chalky or dusty grey residue after washing. In addition, the glaze is often unevenly applied, and may contain obvious cracks and blemishes. Typically, the tagines are imported directly from North African countries, and do not have any manufacturer's markings or other identification.

If you suspect that your tagine may be releasing lead, it is recommended that you immediately stop using it and dispose of it in your regular garbage. You may replace it with a "lead-free" tagine or with one of the many safe substitutes such as Dutch ovens, slow cookers, and glass casserole dishes with lids.

If you are concerned about possible lead exposure, please consult a medical physician who can assess your situation and arrange for testing if necessary. If you have other questions or concerns, contact your nearest Product Safety Office at 1-866-662-0666, or by e-mail at cps-spc@hc-sc.gc.ca.