in the curio cabinet
Much of the china we sell, specifically the Alfred Meakin and the Adams lines, was originally manufactured as tableware. The Royal Worcester Birds of America line was never intended for use with food, and each plate is marked with a warning against such use. Before using ANY china with food, it is important to educate yourself on the subject of lead glazes and the potential hazards they pose. Below we have included several links to websites that provide excellent information on this problem. Briefly, glazes and paints used in china manufacturing, especially before the 1970's, often contained lead. Contact with acidic foods (e.g., tomato-based sauces) can cause lead to leach from paint or glaze and be ingested with food. This poses a serious health hazard, especially to young children. Although large manufacturers are well aware of these problems today, and have taken steps to eliminate the lead from their products, older china -- not just our lines but ANY china -- may pose a risk. The only way to be sure about the safety of older china is to test it. The links below provide all the information you need to educate yourself on this important topic, and to learn the basics on testing and minimizing hazards. Because of the potential problem with lead, we consider our china inappropriate for use with food. We sell this china solely for its decorative value, and recommend against any use with food. Aside from the health issues, such use will cause the designs to deteriorate. We have seen pictures of Alfred Meakin Birds of America plates where every trace of paint has been worn off the transfer. Even light use can lead to scratches and loss of paint. Heavy use (e.g., use in ovens or microwaves or for any type of food storage) is never appropriate for older china, and we therefore warn against it. If you expect to use older china on a regular basis, then we urge you to have it tested to make sure it is safe for contact with food. If, for whatever personal reasons, you feel you must use china the safety of which you have not ascertained, we suggest you be very conservative in your use. For example, you could set the table with the china, but serve the food on other plates or on glass plate liners that can be used on top of the china. You will then be able to enjoy the beauty of your pieces while avoiding the hazards of lead and most of the wear and tear of table use. MORE INFORMATION ON LEAD Environmental Defense Fund Brochure -- An excellent and thorough discussion on lead in pottery and china. Includes concrete recommendations for mitigating risk. Food and Drug Administration Article -- Dale Blumenthal, Food and Drug Administration, "An Unwanted Souvenir: Lead in Ceramic Ware," undated. Article discusses a dramatic case of lead poisoning from imported ceramic ware, and discusses precautions when purchasing china or pottery abroad. Consumer Product Safety Commission -- US Consumer Product Safety Commission, Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home, CPSC Document #426, May 1995. A general overview focusing on the health effects of lead, potential sources of exposure in the home, and what to do to mitigate the problem. Not specifically geared towards pottery and ceramics. US EPA National Lead Information Center -- Provides information on how to contact the National Lead Information Center. Links to an extensive list of free publications available through on-line ordering. back to curio cabinet main page
Last updated 02.28.09 |
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