Food Safety : A Transparent Look

It's a question we often receive: "Is your handmade pottery food safe?" The answer, as with many things in the world of ceramics, is nuanced. If your absolute top priority is the lowest possible food safety risk, mass-produced dinnerware – particularly items like Vitrelle (three layers of glass, not clay) – likely offers unmatched consistency and extensive safety testing that individual artists simply cannot replicate. In that sense, no, handmade pottery isn't the "most" food safe option on the market.

So, why do we dedicate ourselves to creating handmade pottery? For us, and for many who cherish handmade items, it's about the unique beauty, the connection to the maker, and the profound sense of well-being that comes from using something crafted with care. This is a personal decision, and we believe it's one you should make with full information. Below, we'll share everything you need to know about food safety and handmade pottery, empowering you to decide what's right for you.

The Concerns :

Preventing bacteria growth

The glaze on clay pottery creates a smooth, non-porous surface that prevents bacteria from entering the naturally porous clay. While our clay reaches near 0% absorption at cone 6, many clays can absorb up to 3%. For food safety, the glaze must remain intact—discontinue use if you notice crazing, pitting, blistering, or exposed clay. Dishwashing also enhances hygiene through high heat and strong detergents.

Leaching of metals from glazes

“Food safe” commercial glazes have been FDA-tested to ensure lead and cadmium do not leach above safe levels when applied and fired correctly. Many glaze colors come from metals like copper, cobalt, manganese, and iron, which are generally safe in small amounts but can be harmful if leaching occurs due to underfiring or excessive glaze layering.

Because some of our vibrant effects involve layered glazes that may reduce stability, we recommend using those pieces for decorative purposes only. Regularly inspect your pottery for changes in color, shine, or texture—these may signal leaching, in which case the piece should no longer be used for food

Making your informed decision

When properly made and cared for, handmade pottery poses minimal food safety risk, though your comfort level is a personal choice. For the lowest risk, mass-produced, colorless glassware from major manufacturers offers the highest assurance.

If you value the beauty of handmade work, know that we prioritize safety:

We use Laguna Dover slip, tested to have near 0% absorption at Cone 6.
All glazes are commercial and labeled food safe.
We limit glaze layering on food-contact surfaces and mark layered pieces as decorative.
Every item is inspected for glaze defects before sale.

We continually refine our practices to enhance safety. Please inspect your pottery regularly and discontinue food use if you notice changes or damage. Over time, all pottery will naturally wear and should eventually be retired from food use.