Is it safe to eat food cooked in scratched ceramic dishes?
Depends on the product. New, certified cookware is low risk. Old or imported ceramics may leach heavy metals.
What's actually in it
Heavy metals like nickel, chromium, lead, and cadmium can leach from cookware, ceramics, and food storage containers. Acidic foods speed up leaching.
Stainless steel can release nickel and chromium. Older or imported ceramics may contain lead in the glaze. Even "food-safe" products can leach trace amounts under repeated use and heat.
What the research says
A 2026 study in sci total environ looked at chemical exposure from everyday products and found: A laboratory study of chemicals in nail products and exposure assessment using Huang L(1), Moradkhan T(2), Neuwirth E(3), Branyan J(1), Noble A(4), Halozan.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| A laboratory study of chemicals in nail products and exposure assessment using USEtox. | Sci Total Environ | 2026 |
What to use instead
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