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JA Why is ceramic tableware safety so important?
Ceramic tableware is widely popular for its aesthetic appeal and practicality, but improper production processes or material selection may pose health risks:
- Heavy metal leaching: Low-quality glazes may release lead and cadmium when exposed to acidic foods (such as tomato sauce or juice).
- Thermal Shock Fracture: Ordinary ceramicware is prone to cracking due to sudden temperature changes, posing a risk of burns.
- Microbial Growth: Surface micro-pores or cracks may serve as breeding grounds for bacteria.
Data support:
According to the US FDA, there were 1,200 complaints worldwide in 2022 related to heavy metal contamination in ceramic tableware. However, ceramic export companies in Chaozhou, China, have reduced lead leaching to 0.01 μg/cm² (far below the EU standard of 0.5 μg/cm²) through the use of nano-glaze technology.
En Asociación de Fabricantes de Cerámica de Chaozhou has partnered with local companies to launch the “Safe Ceramic Certification Program.” All participating factories’ ceramic tableware undergoes heavy metal testing, with transparent test reports provided to ensure compliance with international standards such as FDA and LFGB.
Material Safety: How to Identify High-Quality Ceramics?
Glaze Composition: Lead-Free ≠ Absolutely Safe
- Traditional glazes: Contain lead flux agents to lower firing temperatures, but may migrate into food.
- Modern alternatives:
Borosilicate glazes: Achieve low-temperature firing without lead (e.g., the eco-friendly glaze developed by the Chaozhou Ceramic Research Institute).
Zirconium-based glaze: High gloss and strong chemical stability.
Testing Methods:
- Home Test: Soak tableware in vinegar for 4 hours; if the glaze surface turns white, it may contain unstable components.
- Laboratory Testing: Precisely measure heavy metal content using an ICP-MS spectrometer .
Production Safety: Comprehensive Control from Kiln to Table
- High-Temperature Firing vs. Low-Temperature Decoration
High-temperature underglaze decoration (1200°C+): Pigments fuse with the glaze layer, making them less prone to peeling (e.g., Chaozhou blue-and-white porcelain technique).
Low-temperature overglaze decoration (<800°C): Vibrant colors but prone to wear, should avoid contact with hard objects (recommended for decorative use only).
- International Certification Standards
| Certification Type | Key Standards | Ventajas de Chaozhou Ceramics |
| FDA (United States) | Lead ≤0.5μg/cm², Cadmium ≤4.5μg/cm² | Yong Jian Ceramic passed the 10-cycle test |
| ISO 22915 | Thermal Shock Resistance Test (220°C → 25°C, 5 cycles without cracks) | Yong Jian Ceramic passed 10 cycles test |
| LFGB (Germany) | Migration Test for Food Contact Materials | 98% of Chaozhou’s export tableware meets the standard (Source: Chaozhou Ceramic Association) |
Supply Chain Assurance:
Asociación de Fabricantes de Cerámica de Chaozhou integrates high-quality ceramic manufacturers in Chaozhou through its platform, ensuring quality control throughout the entire process from raw material procurement to finished product delivery via a “strong supply chain network,” helping businesses quickly obtain certified products.
Usage Safety: Daily Maintenance and Hazard Inspection
Heat Resistance Testing
- Microwave-safe: Pure ceramic tableware without metal edges can be safely used in microwaves (e.g., Jinhua‘s heat-resistant stew pots).
- Oven/Dishwasher: Choose products labeled “Oven Safe” and avoid rapid temperature changes between hot and cold.
Bacterial Growth Prevention
Antibacterial Coating Technology: Yong Jian Ceramic incorporates nano-silver ions into the glaze, achieving a 99.9% bacterial inhibition rate (tested according to GB/T 21510-2008).
Cleaning Recommendations:
- Avoid using steel wool to scrub the glaze surface; instead, use a soft-bristle brush with a neutral detergent.
- Immediately cease use of cracked tableware (bacterial growth rates can increase by up to five times).
Conclusion: The Future Trend of Safe Ceramics
With the Instituto de Investigación Cerámica de Chaozhou introducing self-cleaning glaze layers and AI defect detection systems, safety standards for ceramic tableware will continue to evolve. Consumers are advised to prioritize products labeled “Food Safe” and “Lead-Free” and accompanied by testing reports.
Call to Action:
Want to learn more about ceramic safety testing reports? Visit Asociación de Fabricantes de Cerámica de Chaozhou to access the list of suppliers certified, or contact the team directly for customized solutions!
