The packing just died [50 year old house] in the water spout for my
kitchen sink. Spraying water.

I found an "old product" in my plumbing supplies called
"forms-a-washer". Looks like black string and is very flexible. I
installed it in the water spout and it stopped the leak immediately and
completely.

If this product contains "lead or graphite impregnated string", is it
safe to use in the fresh water path? Concern is health with "lead" in
the water path. Cannot find the company "Lincoln Products, Industry
calif" to ask them if this product contains lead.

What is available these days to do the same function that is SAFER in
the fresh water path?

Many thanks, Dave_s