Scratched glaze :(

[SlowCookingEurope]

Unfortunately, I must have used a bit too much elbow grease while cleaning my Morphy Richards slow cooker pot, and although I thought I was using a soft enough sponge, it was not the case and I have ended up with a few scratches in the glaze.

Does anyone know whether scratched pots, even lightly scratched ones, are still safe to use? I've recently heard that lead leaching really isn't a problem, but I'm concerned with other toxins or just cooking in general.

What have been your experiences, and what is recommended when there is some light scratching?

Thanks!

[duonyte]

Gosh, I have not looked closely, but my crockpot must have some scratches after 15 or 20 years of use, and I've not noticed any problems.

[Red Apple Guy]

I think concerns about lead are usually due to the glaze.

Red

[SlowCookingEurope]

Do you think there is a reason to worry about scratched glaze and lead or other toxins? I've read mixed reports, and I'm not quite sure what to believe.

What are your experiences and beliefs on this topic? The way some of the reports make it sound there is a lot of lead leaching into the food which can accumulate in our bodies over the years.

But then, some topics just sort of take off on the Internet, and you never know what is the truth.

Thanks!

[Red Apple Guy]

The only ways to know are to contact the manufacturer or test the crock. Test kits are as cheap as $6. See: http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=home+lead+test+kit&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&oe=UTF-8&rlz=1I7ADSA_en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=14190054521883396454&sa=X&ei=tKP7ToKRF4eltwfDnJy_Cg&ved=0CGcQ8wIwAQ#

Alternatively, you could use a liner which I don't worry about but some folks do.

red