What safety indicators should be paid attention to when purchasing ceramic tableware
Release time:
2026-04-10
When purchasing ceramic tableware, safety indicators are the core focus. The following aspects should be carefully considered: 1. Material and raw material safety Quality of clay/porcelain: High-quality tableware uses pure raw materials such as kaolin, while inferior products may be mixed with industrial waste or clay with excessive heavy metals. Safety of glaze: The glaze should be food-grade, avoiding the use of inferior chemical pigments (which may contain lead, cadmium, and other heavy metals). 2. Heavy metal content (key indicators) Lead and cadmium release: This is the most critical indicator to be cautious of. National standards (such as GB 4806.3-2016) stipulate that lead release ≤ 0.2mg/L and cadmium release ≤ 0.05mg/L. Check test reports: Standard products should come with third-party test certificates clearly indicating the heavy metal content. 3. Production process and certification Glaze techniques: Underglaze > In-glaze > Overglaze: Underglaze (pigments beneath the glaze layer) is safer. Overglaze (pigments on the surface) may easily flake and release heavy metals if the process is poor. Avoid "three-no products": Products without a manufacturer name, address, or standard execution have no guaranteed process control. Certification marks: Domestic: Look for the "QS" food contact material mark or "CNAS" certified test report. International: Such as the EU "CE" or U.S. "FDA" certification (for exported products as reference). 4. Appearance and structural inspection Glaze integrity: The surface should be smooth, without bubbles, cracks, or peeling. Damaged tableware can harbor dirt, and heavy metals are more likely to leach if the glaze is broken. Color and pattern: Avoid tableware with overly bright colors or complex patterns inside (dark pigments may contain more heavy metals). Prefer inner surfaces without patterns or with light-colored glaze to reduce direct contact between pigments and food.
When purchasing ceramic tableware, safety indicators are the core focus. The following aspects should be carefully considered:
1. Material and raw material safety
Quality of clay/porcelain: High-quality tableware uses pure raw materials such as kaolin, while inferior products may be mixed with industrial waste or clay with excessive heavy metals.
Safety of glaze: The glaze should be food-grade, avoiding the use of inferior chemical pigments (which may contain lead, cadmium, and other heavy metals).
2. Heavy metal content (key indicators)
Lead and cadmium release: This is the most critical indicator to be cautious of. National standards (such as GB 4806.3-2016) stipulate that lead release ≤ 0.2mg/L and cadmium release ≤ 0.05mg/L.
Check test reports: Standard products should come with third-party test certificates clearly indicating the heavy metal content.
3. Production process and certification
Glaze techniques:
Underglaze > In-glaze > Overglaze: Underglaze (pigments beneath the glaze layer) is safer. Overglaze (pigments on the surface) may easily flake and release heavy metals if the process is poor.
Avoid "three-no products": Products without a manufacturer name, address, or standard execution have no guaranteed process control.
Certification marks:
Domestic: Look for the "QS" food contact material mark or "CNAS" certified test report.
International: Such as the EU "CE" or U.S. "FDA" certification (for exported products as reference).
4. Appearance and structural inspection
Glaze integrity: The surface should be smooth, without bubbles, cracks, or peeling. Damaged tableware can harbor dirt, and heavy metals are more likely to leach if the glaze is broken.
Color and pattern:
Avoid tableware with overly bright colors or complex patterns inside (dark pigments may contain more heavy metals).
Prefer inner surfaces without patterns or with light-colored glaze to reduce direct contact between pigments and food.