<p>When it comes to handmade ceramics,there’s nothing quite like the joy of creating beautiful,functional pieces that can be used and enjoyed daily. However,if you plan to use your pottery for serving food or beverages,it's crucial to ensure that your work is food safe. <a href="https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-food-safety-day/2025">World Food Safety Day</a> is a great reminder of the importance of safety standards—and that includes our ceramic ware! In today’s article,we’ll explore some essential tips to ensure that your handmade ceramics are not only visually stunning but also safe to use at the dining table.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Choose Food-Safe Glazes</h2>



<p>Using a food-safe glaze is the first and most important step in creating ceramics intended for food use. Only high-fired porcelain fully vitrifies and creates a non-porous surface,so in most cases we need glaze to seal the pots to make them water-tight and prevent bacteria from growing in any pores.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When using commericial glazes,it’s important to be aware that there are actually two different classifications of safety: food safety,and dinnerware safety. If the glaze features a label declaring it food safe (usually along with an icon like the one above),it means that the glaze will not leach hazardous materials when used for food. Dinnerware safe means that in addition to being food safe,the glaze is of a strong enough surface and suitable texture that it will not scratch with use or allow the growth of harmful bacteria. When choosing a glaze for areas of your work that will be in contact with food,its best to choose one that is both dinnerware and food safe.</p>



<p>If you’re using a commercial glaze and are unsure about its safety,contact the supplier or research the ingredients to make sure they are safe for everyday use. It’s important to remember,however,that even if a glaze is labeled food-safe,it is only so if it is applied and fired correctly! We’ll look at this more closely in a moment.</p>



<p>If you are mixing your own glazes,be sure to know your ingredients and to formulate your recipe using safe amounts of each material. It’s also essential to understand the properties of different types of glazes. Glossy glazes tend to be smoother,harder,and easier to clean,while matte and satin finishes can sometimes be more susceptible to staining and abrasion if they aren’t fully vitrified. We’ll take a closer look at these issues in the next section.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignleft is-resized"><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfkpSRpf6X0WGyEBlLQilZaCiEdUt4uA0CWvAzPF8tWsqt5DBaSGEJq3wr-z_f9IQB68i6rMh-AsRkY-3aJ2jlNY2gw86rJObUxo3QqzGezWlZEbG8swHHVQM_594F6gKky2dhDHQ?key=y1qgXKmTEGpD4QF6mMcrYUs5" alt="" style="width:375px;height:auto"/></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Glaze Ingredients: Avoid Lead,Barium,and Other Toxic Additives</h2>



<p>Lead and barium are sometimes used in traditional or brightly colored glazes because they produce vivid finishes and unique hues. However,both substances can leach into food and pose severe health risks. Avoid using glazes that contain these ingredients for dinnerware and drinkware. For more information on lead in glazes,<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/environmental-contaminants-food/questions-and-answers-lead-glazed-traditional-pottery#:~:text=If%20the%20ceramicware%20contains%20lead,lead%20that%20can%20contaminate%20food.">check out this article by the FDA</a>.</p>



<p>While the use of lead in glaze is still common in many countries and it can be food safe when fired correctly,it is very difficult for the average potter to discern without a doubt that this has indeed been the case. And even if you do fire your work correctly,you are still putting yourself at risk when mixing such glazes,which is an equally important consideration. Modern ceramic suppliers offer non-toxic alternatives that still achieve beautiful colors and finishes,so there’s no need to take risks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Lead and barium are not the only materials to watch out for. Most of our oxide colorants,with the exception of iron oxide,can be harmful if used in high quantities. This includes copper,cobalt,manganese,and chrome. As a general rule these heavy metals should be kept to amounts of 4% or less to avoid harmful leaching. Stains are also ones to keep to a minimum,so if you're using them,check the manufacturer’s recommendations for food safety.</p>



<p>Lithium is another material to keep to a lower percentage,and it's worth reading up on your chosen frit,as many of these may contain lead.</p>



<p>If you’re unsure whether a glaze contains potentially harmful substances,consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by the manufacturer. This document lists the chemical components of the glaze,helping you make informed decisions.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://digitalfire.com/test/glle"><img src="https://staging.ceramic.school/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/foodsafe2-1000x989.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-167243" style="width:300px;height:auto"/></a></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left">Test for Proper Firing and Durability</h2>



<p>Even with a food-safe glaze,the way you fire your ceramics can impact its safety. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommended firing schedule to ensure the glaze reaches full maturity. If you are mixing your own recipe,be sure to fire to the recommended temperature and schedule as well,which will usually accompany any recipe found in books or online. Extra testing will be required if you are developing your own glazes from scratch,as well as thorough research into each ingredient and its melting and expansion points.</p>



<p>So why is the firing process so important? If under-fired,a glaze may not properly seal the surface,allowing bacteria to absorb into the clay body. A properly fired glaze should have a smooth,hard surface without any pinholes,crazing,or cracks that could harbor bacteria or make cleaning difficult. Matte glazes can be particularly difficult to tell if they are fully fired,as the effect can be produced by either micro-crystallization,which is food safe,or underfiring which is not. If a glossy or satin glaze comes out matte,it’s not going to be food safe and should be refired to a higher temperature.</p>



<p>To check if your glaze is fired properly,perform simple home tests like the vinegar test for vessels,or the lemon test for flatter surfaces. For the vinegar test,fill your vessel with vinegar and let rest for 24 hours. Pour out the vinegar and dry the piece. If there is any change in color or surface texture,the object should not be used for food.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For the lemon test,place a slice of lemon on the glazed surface for 24 hours. If the glaze changes color or leaves a mark,it's not fully vitrified and could indicate the potential for chemical leaching or moisture absorption.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full"><img src="https://staging.ceramic.school/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/foodsafe3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-167244"/></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mind Your Clay Body and Glaze Fit</h2>



<p>Not all clay bodies are suitable for food use,and this is especially true if there are unglazed areas. Porous clay bodies,such as some low-fire terracotta,can absorb moisture even when glazed,which can lead to bacteria growth. Stoneware and porcelain are excellent choices for food-safe ceramics because they are fired at higher temperatures,becoming denser and more vitrified. A well-vitrified clay body is far less likely to absorb liquids,making it safer for kitchen use.</p>



<p>Additionally,make sure that your clay body and glaze are compatible in terms of firing temperatures and rates of thermal expansion. This compatibility prevents glaze fit issues like crazing,which can compromise the surface of your ware.</p>



<p>Sometimes glaze faults only appear over time and with use. This is especially true of crazing (where there is a crackle effect in the glaze) and shivering (where the glaze flakes off the pot). To test the fit of your glaze,wet your finished piece with water and put it in the freezer for an hour. Take it out and immediately put it in a bowl of just boiled water. Repeat this two or three times. If your piece comes out with no visible crazing or cracks,you have a good glaze fit.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.penguinfoot.com/classes/glaze-science-application" target="_blank" rel=" noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://staging.ceramic.school/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/foodsafe4-800x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-167245" style="width:200px;height:auto"/></a></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Apply Glaze Evenly and Avoid Raw Clay Exposures</h2>



<p>Uneven glaze application can lead to weak spots,pinholes,or crawling,where the glaze pulls away from the surface during firing. These defects can make cleaning difficult or create areas where bacteria can grow.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For pieces that will hold liquids,such as mugs or bowls,it's best to make sure the entire interior is well-glazed,with no exposed raw clay. Raw clay surfaces can absorb food particles and bacteria,making it challenging to clean your ceramics thoroughly. The exception to this is fully vitrified porcelain,which is not absorbent so does not possess the same risk. Many artists leave areas of high fired stoneware pieces unglazed as well,as it can reach near-full vitrification. Some absorption risk will remain however,so it’s up to your best judgement.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><img src="https://staging.ceramic.school/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/foodsafe5.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-167246" style="width:375px;height:auto"/></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Run Tests for Dishwasher and Microwave Safety</h2>



<p>If your handmade ceramics are intended for everyday use,they should be able to handle the rigors of modern kitchens. Test your pieces in the dishwasher and microwave to ensure they can withstand high temperatures and repeated washing cycles without showing signs of cracking or crazing. Glazed surfaces should remain intact,and the pottery should not absorb moisture or develop defects over time.</p>



<p>For microwave testing,check if the piece heats up excessively or if the glaze reacts in any way. A food-safe ceramic should stay cool to the touch when microwaved without food or liquid inside. To test this,<a href="https://ceramicbubble.com/index.php/2023/09/05/how-can-you-tell-if-ceramic-is-microwave-safe/">place it in the microwave alongside a microwave-safe glass filled with water</a>. Microwave them together on high for one minute and then carefully feel the ceramic vessel. If it’s hot while the glass of water is still cool,it’s not microwave-safe due to water absorption or glaze composition. It’s also worth testing for excessive heating when run through the microwave with food in the piece. While some heating is natural,excessive heat can lead the user to drop the hot pot (and the hot food inside it) in surprise,or even lightly scald their hands. Pay special attention to black clay bodies,as they can be more prone to this problem.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><img src="https://staging.ceramic.school/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/foodsafe7.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-167247" style="width:318px;height:auto"/></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Use Liner Glazes for Decorative Pieces</h2>



<p>For pieces that are more decorative but may still come into contact with food—like platters or vases that might hold snacks or fruit—consider using a food-safe <a href="https://digitalfire.com/glossary/liner+glaze">liner glaze</a>. This way,the interior of the piece has an extra layer of protection,even if the exterior glaze contains ingredients that are not food safe. A liner glaze can ensure a safe surface while allowing you to explore more artistic or experimental finishes on the outside of the piece. When choosing a liner,be sure to still use the tests we described and lookout for all of the potential risks we mentioned above. Just because a glaze is clear and glossy does not automatically mean it is food safe!</p>



<p>Lastly,always inform potential buyers or users if a piece has areas that aren’t food safe,and include care instructions to ensure they are aware of how to use and maintain the ceramics safely.</p>



<p>Creating ceramics that are safe for food use is a rewarding process that combines artistry with responsibility. By selecting the right materials,applying careful firing techniques,and running essential tests,you can confidently produce beautiful,functional pieces that are not only visually appealing but also safe for everyday use. Keeping food safety in mind ensures that your handmade ceramics can be enjoyed for years to come,bringing beauty to the table without compromising health. Whether you’re a professional potter or a hobbyist,paying attention to these food safety practices will help you create pottery that’s both practical and cherished!</p>



<p>If today’s article has left you wanting to know more about glaze composition,be sure to check out our <a href="https://staging.ceramic.school/glazes-glass-formers/">Glaze chemistry article series</a>,or sign up for one of our excellent <a href="https://staging.ceramic.school/online-glazing-workshops/">online glaze workshops</a>!</p>



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Making Your Ceramics Food Safe

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