Dinnerware & Food Safety
Food Safe vs. Dinnerware Safe vs. Not Suitable for Dinnerware
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued Compliance Policy Guides (CPGs) that provide guidance on regulatory issues related to food safety laws and regulations. Specifically, for ceramic products and supplies, the FDA has issued two CPGs that outline acceptable levels and test methods for cadmium and lead leaching:
• CPG Sec. 545.400 Pottery (Ceramics); Import and Domestic – Cadmium Contamination:
Delineates the acceptable test methods and levels of cadmium leach that is permissible.
• CPG Sec. 545.450 Pottery (Ceramics); Import and Domestic – Lead Contamination:
Delineates the acceptable test methods and levels of lead leach that is permissible.
It's important to note that while traces of lead or cadmium are allowed in foodware items, they must test below the established thresholds outlined in these guidelines to be considered safe for food consumption.
The use of the term "Food Safe" can cause confusion for ceramic studios because different manufacturers may use it in varying ways, leading to misunderstandings. There are also some differences in how ceramic manufacturers use the definitions of food safe, dinnerware safe, and other safety-related information. This page can be used as a general guide to the general understanding of each term.
FOOD SAFE
“Food Safe” is a regulation and is defined by the Compliance Policy Guide, which is maintained by the FDA and only applies to lead and cadmium release. For example, “Food Safe” may refer to a glaze in its final, fired state.
If a product has a food safe designation, it has gone through testing and passed industry standards for food safety when used according manufacturer’s direction. Finishedware producers bear responsibility for food safe testing their ware being sold into commerce.
DINNERWARE SAFE
"Dinnerware safe" refers to tableware that is considered safe for use with food and drinks. This means that the material used to create the dinnerware has been tested and confirmed not to contain harmful levels of chemicals such as lead or cadmium, which can potentially leach and cause health problems.
It also means that the surface of the dinnerware is non-porous and smooth, without any cracks, chips or other imperfections that could harbor bacteria and contaminate food or drinks.
Dinnerware that is not deemed "dinnerware safe" may still be suitable for decorative or display purposes but should not be used for tableware purposes.
NOT SUITABLE FOR DINNERWARE
This seal means that the material used to create the product is not durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use as dinnerware. The surface of the product may scratch easily or chip, making it difficult to clean and potentially allowing bacteria to build up.
As a result, the product is not recommended to used with food as it may pose a health risk if used. However, the product may still be suitable for decorative or other purposes where it will not be exposed to food or drink. It's important to carefully consider the recommended uses for a product and adhere to any warnings or limitations provided by the manufacturer to ensure safe use.
ACMI AP SEAL
The AP Seal identifies art materials that are safe and certified in a toxicological evaluation by a medical expert to contain no materials in sufficient quantities to be toxic or injurious to humans, including children, or to cause acute or chronic health problems. Children in grade six and lower, and adults who may not be able to read and understand safety labeling should use only non-toxic materials.
The AP Seal ensures products are non-toxic when used as intended for young children, the physically or mentally handicapped, and any persons who cannot read or understand the safety labeling on product packages. It has nothing to do with food safety, which is a standard applied to the fired ware.