Cost Plus recalls 12,000 food containers over lead threat

Cost Plus recalls 12,000 food containers over lead threat Oakland-based retailer Cost Plus World Market announced it is recalling several food containers sold through its outlets because the container spigots contain lead.
   While no illnesses have been reported, according to the company, the lead could leach into acidic drinks such as lemonade or tomato-based foods dispensed from them.
   Lead is known to cause nervous system damage, hearing loss, stunted growth, reduced IQ levels, and delayed development. It is considered highly dangerous to children under the age of six, whose bodies are still developing. While it affects nearly every organ of the human body, it is especially toxic on the kidneys.
   The four enamel speckleware pots with lids (available in red, yellow, green and blue) and one “retro” glass beverage tank, all with metal spigots near the base, were sold from May 2005 to July 2007 in Cost Plus/World Market stores. The firm said more than 12,000 of the items were sold, for prices ranging from $19.98 to $39.99.
   The speckleware products have the SKU numbers 370549, 391163, 378321 and 378322; the glass water tank has the SKU number 378251. The numbers appear on the customer sales receipt. Customers who have purchased these containers are urged to return them to any Cost Plus World Market store for a refund.
   Consumers who have questions should contact Cost Plus Inc. at (877) 967-5362, 7 a.m. to midnight Eastern time, or go to www.worldmarket.com and select “product recalls” at the bottom of the page.