Department of the Navy
Bureau of Medicine and Surgery

1. Only materials which meet NSF Standard No. 2 or its equivalent may be used in the construction of food service utensils and equipment.

2. Enameled ware, galvanized metal, copper, cadmium, antimony, zinc or tin utensils will not be used for food-contact surfaces. The soluble salts and/or oxides of such heavy metals can cause abrupt and severe gastrointestinal symptoms, typically in a setting where foods or beverages of high-acid content have reacted chemically with the metal containers in which they were prepared or stored.

3. Silver plated pitchers or bowls must not be used for holding or serving acidic food or beverages. Even minor pitting or scratching exposes the underlying copper to the leaching action of the acid food or drink. Sufficient copper ions may be present in such beverages to result in copper poisoning. Stainless steel, plastic or glass containers are recommended for dispensing acidic food and beverages.