Check your kitchen: Experts say you should throw out this cookware immediately

Why is broken dishware dangerous?

Ideal environment for bacteria

The biggest danger of cracks and chips is the creation of favorable conditions for the proliferation of harmful microorganisms. Food remnants accumulate in microscopic depressions and uneven surfaces, which are very difficult to remove completely even with thorough hand washing or in a dishwasher. Moisture and nutrients create an ideal media for bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and Staphylococcus aureus. Eating food from such dishware can lead to food poisoning and digestive disorders.

Risk of cuts and injuries

Sharp edges formed at the site of a chip in ceramic or glassware can easily injure lips, tongues, or hands while eating or washing. Although the risk is lower, there is still a chance that a small shard could break off during use and end up in food, potentially causing damage to the mouth or esophagus.

Possible release of harmful substances

The glaze on ceramic dishware is not only decorative but also a protective barrier. When the integrity of the glaze is broken by a crack or chip, food begins to come into direct contact with the porous ceramic material. This is especially dangerous if it concerns old dishware (made before modern safety standards), cheap ceramics of unknown origin, or certain types of brightly decorated dishware. They may contain lead or cadmium. These toxic heavy metals can leach (migrate) into food, especially if it is hot or acidic (e.g., coffee, tea, tomato sauces, citrus).

Danger of sudden breakage

Any crack significantly reduces the strength of dishware. Under thermal shock (sudden temperature changes, such as when pouring boiling water, placing in a hot oven, microwave, or even a dishwasher) or mechanical stress, a cracked plate or cup can suddenly shatter into pieces. This not only threatens ruined food but also serious burns or cuts.

What to do with damaged dishware?

Expert advice is clear: dishware with chips or cracks (even barely noticeable spiderweb cracks on the glaze) is unsuitable for further use and should be thrown away. Attempts to glue such dishware for food contact are usually ineffective and dangerous, as the glue may be toxic, and the glued area will remain uneven and conducive to bacteria.

Regularly check your kitchenware. Using whole and undamaged dishware is a guarantee of aesthetic pleasure from your meals but also your safety.

Earlier, we also wrote about 6 culinary mistakes that will make your dish dangerous for your health.

Sources: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, WHO.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.