Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County advises residents to immediately stop using certain vintage drinking cups recently distributed at the Root Beer Stande restaurant, located at 1727 South Woodman Drive in Dayton.
Public Health inspectors tested the cups for lead today, May 8, after receiving a customer complaint. Public Health’s test indicated the cups contained lead levels exceeding State of Ohio safety standards. And as a result, Public Health advises customers to not use the cups for drinking. Lead may typically be found in decorative coatings and glazes on vintage cups.
Root Beer Stande management is fully cooperating with Public Health and is assisting in the removal of the cups from distribution.
Lead is a toxic metal that can pose serious health risks, particularly for young children, pregnant individuals, and those with prolonged exposure.
Health Risks
Exposure to lead can result in:
- Developmental delays and learning difficulties in children
- High blood pressure and kidney damage in adults
- Nervous system and brain damage with long-term exposure
Lead can leach (spread) into beverages, especially when cups are used for hot, acidic, or alcoholic drinks, increasing the risk of ingestion.
Products of Concern
The affected items are described as:
- Vintage or retro-style novelty drinking cups with a space theme (See photos attached)
Recommended Actions
Residents should:
- Discontinue use of the cups right away
- Keep items out of reach of children
- Do not use for food or beverage storage or consumption
- Contact the issuing restaurant for information about returns or replacements
- Consider consulting a healthcare provider if exposure is suspected
Ongoing Investigation
Public Health is working closely with the restaurant and the Ohio Department of Health to:
- Identify the source of the contaminated products
- Ensure removal of all affected items from circulation
- Determine whether additional public health actions are necessary
“Protecting the health and safety of our community is our top priority,” said Matthew Tyler, Director of Environmental Health, Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County. “Public Health is taking swift action to minimize any risk to the public, and to ensure safety in restaurant operations.”
