Why Are Some Ceramic Glazes Harmful to Tableware?

Ceramic tableware is used extensively in household and dining settings due to its aesthetics, thermal resistance, and environmentally friendly status. What people do not know is that not all ceramic tableware is safe and durable. One of the most overlooked yet critical elements is the safety of ceramic glaze. This article will explore the possible health hazards of ceramic glazes and give tips on how to choose safer ceramic products, especially those from producers under the Chaozhou Ceramic Manufacturers Association, which have an assured quality guarantee. What are ceramic glazes?

Ceramic glazes are the vitreous coats on the surface of ceramics to make them more beautiful, hard, and water-repellent. When they are fired at high temperature together with the ceramic body, the glaze melts and becomes hard and smooth. In the case of ceramic tableware, not only does the glaze influence the appearance of the product, but it also directly affects its safety when used.

But some ill-controlled or non-food-grade ceramic glazes contain poisonous substances such as heavy metals that will slowly leach into food over a long period when used repeatedly, leading to health problems.

Why Are Some Ceramic Glazes Harmful to the Human Body?

1. Contains heavy metal components
   Some low-fire or primitive ceramic glazes have included heavy metals like lead and cadmium for intense color and luster. These metals leach under conditions of high acidity (e.g., vinegar, juice) and will produce long-term poisoning with chronic ingestion, with catastrophic consequences for the nervous system and organ function.
2. Non-food-grade glazes are incorrectly used on tableware
   Some cheap ceramic items will have non-food-grade glazes that were actually meant for decorative products because of their cost. Such glazes have not been tested for food contact materials and are not safe for containing food, presenting very high risks.
3. Faulty firing process
   Even when food-safe materials are being utilized, incorrect firing temperatures or insufficient glaze coverage may cause the ceramic glaze to be unstable and result in the leaching of toxic substances when used.

How to Determine If The Ceramic Tableware Has Safe Ceramic Glazes?

It is easy to select safe ceramic tableware; the key is to take note of the following:

• Check for safety certification marks: The products in conformity should be certified with FDA (U.S.), LFGB (Germany), CE (EU), or China’s food contact material certification.
• Shun tableware with vivid internal glaze color: Tableware with overly complex decorations or vivid colors, especially on food contact surfaces, must be used cautiously.
• Choose reliable manufacturers: The most guaranteed way is to buy from reliable manufacturers, especially members of the Chaozhou Ceramic Manufacturers Association. Such manufacturers have systematic management and compliant production experience in product design, raw material selection, and ceramic glaze safety control.

If you are unsure where to start, try searching for suitable partners among the member companies of the Chaozhou Ceramic Manufacturers Association.

Why are Chaozhou Ceramic Manufacturers Trustworthy?

Chaozhou is China’s major ceramic production base with a rich ceramic culture and industrial cluster. The Chaozhou Ceramic Manufacturers Association has brought together several local high-level ceramic manufacturers. These companies not only inherit tradition but also continuously improve the standard of products through the application of modern equipment, internationalized quality management, and environmental protection concepts.

Member companies of the association generally possess the following advantages:

• Use of lead-free and cadmium-free, environmentally friendly ceramic glazes that comply with international food contact material standards
• Compliance certificates for exporting to the European, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian markets
• OEM/ODM services to cater to the diverse customization needs of brands, retailers, and restaurant chains

Whether it is procuring tableware that complies with international safety standards or developing luxury ceramic series for brands, member companies under the Chaozhou Ceramic Manufacturers Association are reliable long-term partners.

Conclusion

The safety of ceramic tableware use depends not only on materials and design but to a large extent on the safety and stability of used ceramic glazes used. Consumers and buyers need to be vigilant and cautious regarding glaze ingredients, fabrication methods, and the qualifications of producers.

Selecting qualified manufacturers with well-developed production processes, e.g., members of the Chaozhou Ceramic Manufacturers Association, is a significant step towards ensuring product quality and safety in food.

If you want to find a good ceramic factory as your business partner, please contact us at the Chaozhou Ceramic Manufacturers Association. We will help you with reputable domestic quality enterprises, joining hands to create a high-quality ceramic future.