Suit Settled Over Lead In Dishes

Ten major manufacturers of china dishes have settled a consumer protection lawsuit filed by the state, agreeing to pay $2.3 million for not adhering to Prop 65 and warning consumers about the lead content in their tableware. This settlement is the largest award under Proposition 65. The ten companies also promised to reduce the lead content in their products by 50-percent over the next five years and are required to pay $1 million to create a public education fund to finance a lead safety information campaign for consumers. The prosecuted companies include Lenox, Wedgewood, Royal Doulton, Noritake, and Mikasa. These companies make up just ten percent of the china plates, cups and bowls sold in California.