Is Mexican Clay Cookware Safe?

Mexican clay cookware refers to pots, pans, and other cooking vessels made from clay that originates in Mexico. This cookware is traditionally handmade and unglazed. It has been used for centuries in Mexican cooking to simmer food like beans, rice, soups, and stews.

Recently, the safety of Mexican clay cookware has come into question. Some of these pots and pans contain levels of lead that may leach into food during cooking. Lead exposure can cause health problems, especially in children. However, many quality manufacturers now produce lead-free Mexican clay cookware that is certified safe for cooking.

History of Clay Cookware

Clay cookware has a long history of traditional use in Mexico. The indigenous peoples of Mexico, such as the Aztecs, Zapotecs, and Mayans, produced pottery from natural clay for utilitarian purposes as early as 2300-1500 BCE. They crafted various types of earthenware including plates, jugs, cups, and cooking pots usually with red and orange designs.

The clay used in traditional Mexican pottery varies by region. In Oaxaca, potters have used the red and grey clays from the Central Valleys region for centuries. Veracruz is known for its white clay, while black clay is common in San Bartolo Coyotepec. Metepec potters combine clays of different colors like red, yellow, black and white.

Mexican clay cookware remains an important tradition today with artisan families producing clay pots, comals, cazuelas, and ollas based on ancient techniques. Famous pottery styles include Talavera, barro negro, and bruñido ware.

Benefits of Clay Cookware

One of the main benefits of using clay cookware is the natural non-stick surface that clay provides. When properly seasoned, clay pots develop a natural coating that prevents food from sticking. This eliminates the need for chemical non-stick coatings found in many types of cookware. According to an article on thegardenrecipe.com, “The porous nature of the clay allows the development of a natural non-stick surface when seasoned properly” (source).

Clay cookware also provides even heating, as the clay distributes heat evenly across the entire pot or pan. The even heat distribution allows for consistent cooking results without hot or cold spots. As one Reddit user commented, “I find that clay really helps regulate temp across the whole comal surface area” (source).

Finally, cooking with clay pots and pans is chemical-free, as no harsh or toxic materials are used in the production of the cookware. Lead-free clay and natural glazes make clay pots safe and inert for cooking. Avoiding chemical non-stick coatings found in many other types of cookware reduces exposure to potentially harmful substances released during cooking.

Potential Safety Concerns

There are certain safety concerns regarding traditional Mexican clay cookware that are important to consider.

Lead Content

One main concern is the potential for lead in the clay, glaze, or paint used to decorate the cookware. Lead can leach into food during cooking. This is especially a risk with cookware made before lead testing became standard. According to Mexico By Hand (source), lead glazing was commonly used in Mexican pottery before the 1990s. Now, reputable brands test for lead and only use lead-free materials.

It’s recommended to ask the manufacturer about lead testing. Many reputable brands will provide lead test results if asked. Additionally, you can have pots tested by a lab to check for lead (source).

Cracking and Chipping

Another issue is the potential for cracking and chipping over time with repeated heating and cooling during cooking. Chips and cracks can expose the clay underneath and may harbor bacteria.

To reduce cracking and chipping, handle the cookware gently, avoid extreme temperature changes, and inspect regularly for damage. Avoid using cookware with cracks or chips. Reseasoning regularly with oil can also help protect the clay.

Lead Testing Standards

The FDA has set standards for the maximum allowable levels of lead in ceramic ware. According to the FDA, ceramics should not leach more than 3 ppm of lead under typical use conditions (FDA 2021).

In order to determine lead levels, the FDA recommends testing ceramics using a 4% acetic acid solution for 24 hours at room temperature. This test is designed to simulate long-term leaching under typical use. If ceramic tests higher than 3 ppm lead using this method, it does not meet FDA standards (FDA 2021).

California’s Proposition 65 also sets a standard for lead exposure, requiring warnings on products with lead levels above 0.5 micrograms per day. This is a much stricter standard than the FDA’s. Ceramics that meet FDA standards could potentially still require Prop 65 lead warnings (OEHHA 2022).

Sources:

FDA. (2021). Questions and Answers on Lead-Glazed Traditional Pottery. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

OEHHA. (2022). Proposition 65 in Plain Language. California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.

Tips for Safe Use

To ensure your Mexican clay cookware is safe to use, here are some tips:

Inspect the cookware thoroughly before each use. Look for any cracks, chips, or rough spots that could allow lead to leach into food. Even minor imperfections can become problematic over time. Discard any cookware with cracks or major flaws.

Avoid using metal utensils with clay pots and pans. The metal can scratch and damage the clay surface, increasing the risk of lead exposure. Use wooden, silicone, or plastic utensils instead.

According to Curing Clay Pots For Cooking, clay cookware should be cured before first use to seal the clay. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to properly cure new clay pots.

Only use clay cookware for cooking at low to medium temperatures. Avoid very high heat as this can cause cracking or leaching of lead.

Do not use chipped or cracked clay vessels to store food or liquids. Use intact cookware for storage purposes.

Wash thoroughly before each use. Avoid abrasive scouring pads which could damage the clay surface.

Reputable Brands

When shopping for Mexican clay cookware, it’s important to choose brands that adhere to lead testing standards. Here are some reputable options:

MexGrocer offers a wide selection of clay cookware from various regions of Mexico. Their products are lead-free and meet FDA standards for lead levels.

Ancient Cookware specializes in Mexican clay pots and pans. They work directly with family-owned manufacturers in Mexico and test all products for lead.

MexMax imports authentic Mexican cookware made from natural clays. Their clay products are third-party tested and verified to be lead-free.

Alternatives

There are other natural clay options besides traditional Mexican clay cookware that offer similar benefits without the potential lead risks. Unglazed clay pots made in the US and Europe, such as those from Emile Henry and Revol, provide a lead-free alternative while still allowing food to cook naturally (Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskCulinary/comments/qi7tuv/what_are_the_best_alternatives_for_clay_pots_on/). These unglazed pots can be used on induction cooktops.

Enamel cookware is another alternative that provides a non-stick, non-reactive cooking surface like clay but without the potential for lead contamination. Brands like Le Creuset make enamel cookware that distributes heat evenly and retains moisture similarly to clay. The enameling process seals the base material, preventing leaching of chemicals like lead into food.

The Bottom Line

The concern over lead in Mexican clay cookware comes down to a reasonable caution but not an outright danger. With reputable brands that adhere to lead testing standards, the risk is minimal. Furthermore, proper use and care of the cookware prevents chipping and avoids any exposure from occurring. As long as you purchase clay pots and dishes from a trustworthy source and handle them gently, enjoying traditional Mexican clay cookware can be safe.

Cookware made from clay has been used for thousands of years, beginning with the ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica. Modern high quality clay pots from Mexico follow this age-old tradition but with strict controls for lead and other heavy metals. Brands like La Chamba and Market Mexico test batches from each workshop they work with and will not sell any cookware that exceeds California’s strict Prop 65 standards. These reputable retailers stand behind their products with guarantees of lead safety.

The other key is avoiding any damage to the clay surface. As long as the glaze remains intact, there is a negligible risk of lead exposure. Careful handling prevents chips and scratches. Gentle preheating helps prevent thermal shock cracking. Proper use of clay dishes, without metal utensils or drastic temperature changes, will maintain the integrity of the glaze and the safety of the cookware.

With a quality lead-free product and proper care in use, enjoying the beauty and tradition of Mexican clay cookware poses little risk. Simple precautions give peace of mind while benefiting from an eco-friendly, natural cooking and serving experience.

References

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