Science shows that glass and high-quality ceramic are the safest materials for dinnerware. Glass is essentially inert, with no toxic metals detected leaching even in acidic conditions. Ceramic is also very safe when it is both lead-free and cadmium-free. However, low-quality ceramics can leach lead and cadmium into food, particularly with acidic foods or when dishes are chipped or crazed. Products marketed as eco-friendly made from "melamine," "wheat straw," or "bamboo" are misleading: they typically contain melamine-formaldehyde resin and can leach formaldehyde into food, especially when hot. Several EU countries have banned them.
This is HIGH PRIORITY because chronic exposure to even small amounts of lead and cadmium adds up over time, and many consumers unknowingly use melamine-based products with hot and/or acidic foods daily.
Laurel recommends dinnerware made from glass or ceramic that is both lead-free and cadmium-free. We prioritize trusted brands that are transparent about their materials and supply chain.
Laurel avoids any dinnerware made from plastic or melamine, products marketed as "bamboo" or "wheat straw," as well as vintage or antique ceramics.
Tip: Replace any chipped or crazed ceramic dishes right away, as damaged glaze is where lead and cadmium are most likely to leach into your food.
Dinnerware
Science showsglass and high-quality ceramic are the safest materials for dinnerware. Glass is essentially inert, with no toxic metals detected leaching even in acidic conditions. Ceramic is also very safe when it is both lead-free and cadmium-free. However, low-quality ceramics can leach lead and cadmium into food, particularly with acidic foods or when dishes are chipped or crazed. Products marketed as eco-friendly made from "melamine," "wheat straw," or "bamboo" are misleading: they typically contain melamine-formaldehyde resin and can leach formaldehyde into food, especially when hot. Several EU countries have banned them.
Laurel recommends dinnerware made from glass or ceramic that is both lead-free and cadmium-free. We prioritize trusted brands that are transparent about their materials and supply chain.
Laurel avoids any dinnerware made from plastic or melamine, products marketed as "bamboo" or "wheat straw," as well as vintage or antique ceramics.
Tip: Replace any chipped or crazed ceramic dishes right away, as damaged glaze is where lead and cadmium are most likely to leach into your food.