SAFETY FIRST

What's really in your tableware?

The things manufacturers don't put on the label, and why we think you should know.

Lead in Ceramic Glaze

Lead has been used in ceramic glazes for centuries. It makes colours more vivid and creates a smooth, glassy finish, and it's cheaper than safer alternatives.

The problem: if a piece isn't fired at precisely the right temperature, lead doesn't fully bond to the ceramic surface. It leaches into food, especially acidic foods like tomato-based curries, chutneys, citrus, and pickles. The foods most Indian
households eat daily.

What the research says:

  • In 2025, the US FDA issued warnings on 19 cookware products, primarily from South Asia, after testing confirmed lead leaching into food. Their recommendation: throw them away.

  • A study of traditional pottery found 73% of tested pieces were lead-positive.

  • Children absorb 40–50% of consumed lead, compared to 3–10% for adults. There is no safe level of lead exposure in children.

  • India does not currently have an equivalent consumer-facing warning system for ceramic tableware. That gap is exactly why awareness matters.

Want to switch? See lead-free ceramic plates made in India. We test our glazes for lead and cadmium release at an NABL-accredited laboratory, tested per ISO 6486. Prefer to sip safe? Our ceramic mugs are tested for safety too, with no bone ash, for chai, coffee, and everyday drinking.

Cadmiumin Ceramic Pigments

Cadmium compounds are used in red, orange, and yellow ceramic pigments. Like lead, cadmium can leach into food if not properly processed. Long-term exposure is linked to kidney damage and weakened bones.

The same FDA warnings that flagged lead also test for cadmium. Most Indian consumers have never heard of it.

Bone Ash in Bone China

Bone china, the kind of tableware found in most Indian households, contains 30–50% bone ash. That's calcium phosphate derived from animal bones, typically from slaughterhouses.

India has one of the world's largest vegetarian populations. Many households that observe dietary principles around non-harm and purity eat every meal off plates made with animal bone. It's simply not something most people know to check.

For reference: LaOpala, one of India's largest crockery brands, has specifically marketed their products as '100% Bone Ash Free' with a vegetarian symbol, because the demand is real once people know.

If you want to make the switch, see our bone-ash-free dinnerware, mineral stoneware, zero animal bone, vegetarian-safe.

Comparison Table: Claymistry vs Industry Norm

What we test for Claymistry standard Industry norm
Lead in glaze
Tested for lead release
Not disclosed by most brands
Cadmium in pigments
Zero, cadmium-free pigments
Not disclosed by most brands
Bone ash in clay body
Zero, bone ash free
30–50% in bone china
Food safety testing
Yes, tested per ISO 6486
Rarely mentioned or verified
Microwave safe
Yes, all tableware
Varies
Dishwasher safe
Yes, all tableware
Varies

Howto Check Your Own Tableware

A simple guidefor your own kitchen

1. Check for labels. Does your tableware state it's lead-free? If there's no mention of materials, there's usually a reason.

2. Look at the glaze. Highly decorative, brightly coloured ceramics, especially hand painted or traditional pieces, are more likely to use lead-based glazes.

3. Consider the source. Unbranded ceramics from local markets or deep-discount online sellers rarely undergo material testing.

4. Test if unsure. Home lead-testing kits are available online. They're not lab-grade, but they'll flag high lead levels.

5. When in doubt, ask the brand. A company that can't tell you what's in their glaze is telling you something.

Q: How do I know Claymistry products are really lead-free?

A: We test our glazes for lead and cadmium
release at an NABL-accredited laboratory. Lab reports are available
for any specific product on request, email contact@claymistry.in.

Q: Is Claymistry tableware safe for children?

A: Yes. All our tableware is tested for lead and
cadmium release, with bone-ash-free materials only. See lead-free ceramic plates for details. Children are more vulnerable
to lead exposure than adults, which is exactly why we hold this standard
without exception.

Q: What's the difference between stoneware and bonechina?

A: Stoneware (what Claymistry makes) is
dense ceramic fired at high temperatures, durable, food-safe, made entirely
from clay and minerals. Bone china contains 30–50% bone ash (animal bone
powder). Both can be beautiful, but the materials are very different. See our bone-ash-free dinnerware range.

Q: Are your products safe for acidic foods likecurries and chutneys?

A: Yes. Lead leaches more readily with
acidic foods, which is why we test our glazes for lead and cadmium release. See lead-free ceramic plates for details. Our ceramics are
tested for food contact and safe for all types of food.

Q: Do you have test reports I can see?

A: We test our glazes for lead and cadmium
release at an NABL-accredited laboratory. We can provide specific test reports on request. Email
contact@claymistry.in with the product name.