When you buy a ceramic mug, you might not even think about the steps and processes involved in its production and the legal requirements that each piece of tableware should meet. One of the aspects that we, as manufacturers, must ensure is the safety of our products for food contact. Therefore, every piece of porcelain must have ceramic certifications confirming that it is completely safe for use with food and beverages.
Our studio recently underwent a strict hygiene audit, and for interest, we have outlined what it legislatively entails to commercially sell functional ceramics. Strict hygiene requirements are imposed not only on the production facilities but also on the transparency of production processes, recipes, traceability of every ingredient from purchase to customer, and particularly on health safety.
Why is it necessary to conduct ceramic certifications?
There are several reasons why it is essential for porcelain intended for food contact to undergo laboratory testing:
Heavy metals:
Even though the product is made from individual verified and certified non-toxic raw materials (ceramic material, glaze, color, decoration) and fired at the recommended temperature, this does not guarantee that heavy metals will not leach out of the product after firing. Therefore, each combination of materials and firing or recipe must be tested in a laboratory.
Previously, lead-based decorative glazes, which are toxic, were widely used. When using dishes with lead-based glazes, there is a risk that lead can leach out and contaminate food or beverages. Nowadays, these beautiful but poisonous glazes are only used on decorative porcelain that is not intended for food contact. Nevertheless, it is important for customers to be informed and distinguish between decorative and functional tableware.
Another heavy metal tested for is cadmium. Additionally, there are other chemical substances that can be present in glazes and colors used in ceramic production. These substances can pose health risks if improperly used or fired.
2. Health and Consumer Safety:
Another form of testing is sensory evaluation, which ensures that the product, when in contact with food and heated to 100°C, does not alter taste, smell, color, or cloud the liquid.
Stringent Requirements for Ceramic Production
The production of ceramics and porcelain requires not only meticulous handling of materials but also strict adherence to hygiene and safety standards within the manufacturing facility. The environment where ceramics are produced must meet a range of requirements:
Cleanliness and Hygiene: Production areas must be maintained in perfect cleanliness. Regular cleaning and sanitization are paramount for hygiene. For instance, windows should be equipped with insect screens, bins should have lids, no food consumption is allowed in the production room, all surfaces and walls must be easily washable, etc.
Safe Storage and Traceability of Materials: All raw materials, glazes, and chemicals must be properly stored and labeled to prevent contamination, material degradation, or accidents. Each product destined for the customer is assigned a batch number, which identifies the origin of individual input materials, firing dates, and other relevant details.
Worker Protection: Naturally, we must prioritize safety. For instance, when handling glazes, workers must wear respirators because glazes are toxic before firing and should not be inhaled in their dry, dusty state. Hygiene in the manufacturing facility also ensures suitable facilities for employees, including changing rooms, adequate lighting, ventilation, training, and employee monitoring.
Waste Management: It's also crucial how we recycle materials and handle generated waste.
Conclusion
Whether it's a small ceramic studio like ours, a potter with a workshop in a basement or living room, or a large manufacturing plant, the conditions are the same for everyone. For beginner potters and small businesses, this can be very demanding both in terms of time and finances. Despite our challenges, we are proud to say that our products meet all these requirements. So, when you enjoy your favorite coffee from one of our mugs, you can rest assured that our products are completely safe.
7 tips for beginner ceramic makers
Make sure to notify the authorities about the production of items intended for food contact in your region.
Find out all the necessary requirements either by studying the law (here) or by calling the health department directly for advice on what is required.
Focus on your production facilities, their suitability, hygiene, safety, and associated documentation.
Keep all invoices and receipts for materials, as well as their technical and safety data sheets, and maintain accurate production records.
Every material combination placed on the market must undergo laboratory testing and have all necessary documents proving their health safety. Therefore, when designing ceramic products for food contact, consider that each combination of materials (clay, color, type of glaze, decoration, etc.) must have ceramic certifications, so avoid unnecessary complexities and be strategic.
Remember to label each product destined for consumers according to legislation (here) and batch them accordingly.
If you own an online store, focus on consumer protection: terms and conditions, complaint procedures, product information, etc.
author: Lenka Záhorková, 2024
Comments