When you see a green color change on a copper product, you may feel rushed to make a decision about its use or maintenance. However, the term "verdigris" alone cannot determine the judgment for an individual product. You should confirm the official documentation regarding the material separately from the conditions disclosed for that specific product.
Background indicated by Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare documents
In its 2007 report, the Committee on Utensils, Containers and Packaging of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare introduced subsequent research findings regarding the conventional view that assumed verdigris was harmful to health. On the other hand, it also mentions reports of food poisoning, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, presumed to be caused by the elution of a large amount of copper ions from copper products.
For this reason, the document does not simply treat verdigris as either safe or dangerous, but explains it in conjunction with manufacturing standards for utensils, containers, and packaging that come into contact with food.
Food contact conditions vary by product
The report outlines standards for copper or copper alloy utensils, containers, and packaging used in parts that come into contact with food. Whether an individual product meets these conditions must be judged by checking the material composition, surface treatment, intended use, and current product descriptions.
The current SEKIMONO product pages include information about the teaware using copper, as well as descriptions regarding the intended use and surface of each piece. However, product-specific guidance on whether the item can be used based on the state of the verdigris, individual treatments regarding food contact, or how to remove verdigris is not available on the current product pages. For practical considerations regarding auxiliary tools that do not steep liquor directly, consult our guide on copper tea accessories and food contact distinctions.
Scope of confirmation via public information
For example, Gold & Jade | Copper Tea Scoop is presented as a copper tea scoop for portioning tea leaves and transferring them to a teapot. What can be confirmed here is the intended use and displayed information of the piece. You cannot determine how to handle the item if a change is seen in the material based solely on this page.
Things to check
- Intended use and material descriptions stated on the current product page
- Location of the observed changes and usage conditions
- Individual conditions you wish to confirm before purchase or use
For more information on what you can check on product pages regarding copper teaware, please also see Things to check before choosing copper teaware.
