Are Small Holes in Glazes Safe for Contact with Food? Small holes in the glaze can spoil the appearance of the piece and ruin your work. However, a more important question is whether these holes are safe for contact with food. Can we use products with these holes or should we throw them away? It is often said that holes in the glaze are unsafe because they can harbour food residues and bacteria. The food industry and commercial producers are expected to follow strict rules about food contact surfaces. However, individual potters have different opinions on whether holes are a serious glaze defect. In this article, we will examine the relevant data and research and inform you so that you can make your own judgement. Are Small Holes in the Back Safe for Food Contact? Small holes in the glaze are a common problem. Most potters who have fired several kilns have probably encountered them. Some potters do not pay much attention to this appearance. But are the holes formed in the glaze safe in contact with food? Let's take a look at this question. Concerns About Small Holes In The Secret - Is It Safe For Contact With Food? One of the main concerns about holes is that they act like small cavities in the ceramic surface that can harbour food and bacteria. Once food is stuck in the hole it will be very difficult to remove it again. As a result, it is thought that old food will create a breeding ground for disease-causing microorganisms on your dishes. This sounds quite simple and logical. One purpose of glazes is to create a glassy seal on the surface of your pottery. If this seal is broken by a hole or other glaze defect, the glaze is not fulfilling its purpose. Some potters disagree with this view. There are many potters who are quite relaxed about holes in the glaze surface. Some of the reasons are as follows: 1- The pottery is effectively washed and food residues and dirt can be removed. Effective washing can be done with warm water and soap or ideally with a dishwasher. 2- If the pot is glazed, the holes are only a surface defect. Glazed or matured clay bodies do not absorb liquid or foodstuffs. If the product is cleaned effectively, there will be no food residues to cause bacterial growth. 3- Holes are not a sign of an imbalance in the glaze. Some glazes are unstable and leach toxins into food and liquids. Leaching is a serious hazard in unstable glazes. Some potters argue that compared to leaching as a ‘serious’ glaze problem, holes are an aesthetic issue and do not threaten food safety.
Food Safety Discussion of Pitting in Oven Baked Objects Some potters are not too concerned about pits. They think that food residues will disappear if cleaned properly or washed in the dishwasher. But we think differently! In our opinion, glazed products should not require extra precautions to make sure they are safe. Especially if we are selling these objects, we should tell our buyers to take extra care with every wash. Lack of research: There is no specific research on the effect of pitting on food safety. However, a study with a cracked surface may provide insight for pits. In the study, bacterial cleanliness tests were carried out on cracked and uncracked surfaces. As a result, both surfaces can be cleaned with soapy water and a dishwasher. However, small residues can still remain on the cracked surface. Industrial Standards: In the glazed product industry, products with pits are not sold. Large manufacturers invest in materials that prevent such defects. Because they cannot sell products with pits in terms of food safety. Small Potteries: Some potters discard pitted products, while others keep them for personal use or sell them at a discount. The decision may depend on personal preference and the number of pits. As a result, we have presented you different perspectives and our own judgement in this article. The final decision belongs to you, our esteemed artists...