Lead-free... what!?

[amyk]

I remember eating these in a Chinese restaurant long ago (it's an odd taste), and only recently discovered they come in a lead-free version, which obviously suggests there's a leaded version

[John B]

Although it's generally safe to run the human body on unleaded food, the leaded versions help the body run a bit smoother and reduce wear.

[jpanhalt]

I remember eating these in a Chinese restaurant long ago (it's an odd taste), and only recently discovered they come in a lead-free version, which obviously suggests there's a leaded version

Not really, you see "Gluten-free" labels on things that never had gluten. Same for "low-carb" labels.   It's marketing bs.

[madires]

I'd guess 'lead-free' is a lie anyway. Their environment is heavily polluted. Over 90% of the groundwater is unsafe for humans.

[Black Phoenix]

I'd guess 'lead-free' is a lie anyway. Their environment is heavily polluted. Over 90% of the groundwater is unsafe for humans.

You are being generous...

Absolutely no one drinks water directly from the tap, and even when is treated it is always boiled and filtered again. That's what I've been doing in the last 6 years living here and my wife for most of her life.

[Gyro]

Not really, you see "Gluten-free" labels on things that never had gluten. Same for "low-carb" labels.   It's marketing bs.

Although on the Gluten-free, it depends on the preparation conditions, the plant may be running Gluten containing products on the same line etc. There are a lot of 'may contain' products out there for that reason. Not a problem for the 'choice' people but a real pain in the ass for those of us with medical restrictions (coeliac). The same applies for severe eggs, nuts etc reactions, it's a matter of production 'hygene', or should I say, lazy cross contamination control.

[MK14]

I remember eating these in a Chinese restaurant long ago (it's an odd taste), and only recently discovered they come in a lead-free version, which obviously suggests there's a leaded version

No, I'm afraid (as I understand it), they did (and maybe still do, in some cases) use to use lead (oxide), in some cases.  Specifically for some egg types, such as Duck eggs.

The extremely toxic compound lead(II) oxide speeds up the reactions that create century eggs, leading to its use by some producers,[3] whereas zinc oxide is now the recommended alternative.[8] Although zinc is essential for life, excessive zinc consumption can lead to copper deficiency, and the finished product should have its zinc level assessed for safety.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Century_egg