The term "food safe" in pottery refers to the end product produced by firing the glaze,and the number of heavy metals and lead that leaches when the glazed layer is interrupted. Most of the time the term "food safe" is confused with the item being "non-toxic",which refers to the item in an unfinished state.



The most commonly supported theory is,that many decades ago,humans used clay objects for cooking,eating,and drinking. There is a debate that ceramic is the most economical,flexible,and durable in colour and design. Here are a few tips to help you make,choose,and use food safe ceramics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is Regarded as Food Safe?</h2>




Any surface that comes into direct contact with food,or drink must be; smooth,without cracks,glassy surface,and free of rough texture. This automatically will allow it to be "food safe",ceramic products that have such issues are prone to bacterial growth,and are definitely not food safe. 
Unglazed bands on the bottom of plates,and bowls,and on the outside surface of handmade mugs; do not make these items unsafe to use. It's simple,as long as food,or drinks do not come into contact with these unglazed areas,you are good. However,it the item was made using low fire clays,you are required to cover it with a food safe glaze,that must be fired perfectly. Only then,will these items be considered food safe. Even then low fire clay is porous,and fluids might penetrate the upper layer,and get soaked into the clay. Pieces that are made using stoneware (mid range) or high fire clay are only considered food safe when they are fired to full maturity. During the process they melt together,and create a surface that is waterproof.




There are some glazes that dissolve when mixed with a certain kind of foods,which means over time the glaze will mix with food,and could be life threatening. Whereas some glazes leach faster in acids such as orange juice,others might dissolve quickly when in contact with green vegetables that contain alkaline.



There are a number of factors that increase the solubility level of glazes which include,but,are not limited to composition of the glaze itself,heating and cycles when undergoing firing,certain impurities,fumes of other glazes fired from the same kiln,etc. There are many pre-mixed glazes in the market that are labeled as "lead-safe",which means they won't leach cadmium or lead into your food only when the application and firing process is done in the right manner.



Keep in mind that under-firing or over-firing application that is done on an unsuitable under-glaze,for instance,something that might contain copper; the firing might process some clay impurities into your glaze,which makes the glaze on the pot highly hazardous.



As a potter you must remember that low-fired glazes are always hazardous,when mixed with food. On the other hand a high-fire glaze might leach hazardous amounts of lithium,barium,and other toxic metals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Solution</h2>




The ideal solution is to use glazes that do not contain any toxic metals,they will rely on magnesium,calcium,and sodium fluxes. If any other item is used during the glazing,the product must carry a permanent decal stating it is only advised to be used as a decoration. 
Keep an eye on your glaze,and if you see any item changing colour after coming into contact with food or any drink,do not use that item for drinking,eating,or cooking. 
Ceramic items with platinum,gold,or any other pure metal is not microwave safe. The type and amount of metal used on the ceramic item will determine its status.




When cooking with ceramic dishes,never place a cool pot in a hot oven. Do not preheat your oven,simply add 10 more minutes of baking time. When you allow your ceramic place to heat with the oven,it will minimize breakage.

Is it food safe?

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Is it food safe?

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