Is Grandmom's China Safe To Eat Off of this Thanksgiving and Christmas Season?
- Sandy
- Nov 5, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 14, 2023
Celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday with Grandmom's china, with its delicate patterns and sentimental value, can be a cherished family tradition. However, whether it's safe to eat off of depends on a variety of factors, such as its age, the materials used, and the presence of any harmful substances.
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1.Material Composition: The safety of eating off Grandmom's china largely depends on the materials it's made from. If the china is genuine bone china, porcelain, or vitrified ceramic, it is generally safe to use. These materials are fired at high temperatures, making them non-porous and resistant to bacterial growth.
2. Lead Content: Older china, especially pieces made before the 1970s, might contain lead in their paint, glazes, or gold accents. Lead was used to create vibrant colors and a shiny finish. If the your china contains lead, it can leach into food, posing serious health risks. To determine if your china contains lead, you can use lead testing kits, which are readily available.
is perfect for testing your china, and other painted surfaces, giving you an answer in 30 seconds. So, you'll feel confident in using your antique china - or not using it!
If the tests indicate the presence of lead, it's advisable not to use the china for serving food or beverages.
3. Cracks and Chips: Inspect Grandmom's china for cracks, chips, or visible damage. Cracked or chipped pieces can harbor bacteria, making them unsafe for use. Bacteria can thrive in these crevices, even after washing, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses. If the china is damaged, it's best to keep it for decorative purposes only.
4. Gold or Metallic Accents: China with gold or metallic accents can be hazardous if these accents contain lead or other toxic substances. If these decorative elements are worn or chipping, it's best to avoid using the china for serving food.
5. Proper Care and Handling: Even safe china requires proper care to ensure it remains safe to use. Wash it by hand using mild detergent and warm water, avoiding abrasive scrubbers that might scratch the surface. If the china is particularly fragile or valuable, consider using it for special occasions and handwashing it to preserve its longevity.
6. Consulting Experts: If you're uncertain about the safety of Grandmom's china, consider consulting experts or appraisers specializing in antique and vintage china. They can provide insights into its origin, materials, and safety for use. Additionally, they can advise on proper storage and handling to maintain its condition.
7. What About Those Antique Glasses?: Antique and vintage water glasses or wine glasses (and even bowls and candy dishes) can be exceptionally beautiful and tempting to put on the table. But, many antique glassware items are made from leaded glass and contain lead that can leach into your drinks causing you harm. Be sure to check out the video here to discover how to tell the difference between regular and leaded glass.
Grandmom's china can be a beautiful addition to your tableware, but safety should always be a priority. By understanding the materials, inspecting for damage, and being aware of potential hazards like lead content, you can make an informed decision about whether it's safe to eat off of. When in doubt, err on the side of caution, preserving the china for decorative purposes while creating new memories around a more modern, food-safe set of dishes.
Check out the results of the lead tests I did on these antique plates purchased at an antique store in Franklin, TN. Notice the two different plates that look almost identical. One tested positive for lead and the other tested negative! Be sure to test your own by purchasing a lead test and don't make assumptions based on looks!
