In 1621, the Plymouth colonists from England and the Wampanoag people shared an autumn harvest feast, celebrating their first successful harvest in the New World. Although at the first Thanksgiving, no one used plates nor eating utensils and ate the meal at tree stumps, a modern-day Thanksgiving feast is centered around preparing platters and plates to set the table. ISO 6486-1:2019—Ceramic Ware, Glass Ceramic Ware And Glass Dinnerware In Contact With Food – Release Of Lead And Cadmium – Part 1: Test Method provides specifications for ceramic and glass dinnerware in contact with food and beverages.
How to Set a Thanksgiving Table
Thanksgiving plates come in various materials, designs, and sizes, offering a wide range of options to suit different tastes and preferences. From classic porcelain, silver, glass, and ceramic plates that are adorned with intricate patterns to more sustainable alternatives such as bamboo or melamine. The range of dinnerware choices are vast and each material has pros and cons in terms of aesthetics, design, size, shape, durability, heat resistant, affordability, and ease of cleaning.
What Is ISO 6486-1?
ISO 6486-1:2019 specifies a test method for the release of lead and cadmium from ceramic ware, glass ceramic ware, and glass dinnerware intended to be used in contact with food. Further, it is applicable to the ceramic ware, glass ceramic ware, and glass dinnerware for the preparation, cooking, serving, and storage of food and beverages, excluding all articles used in food manufacturing industries or in which food is sold. The standard details various test and procedures for cups, mugs, plates, dishes, bowls, and other ceramic and glass dinnerware.
The standard excludes vitreous and porcelain enamel articles (covered by ISO 4531).
Ceramic Dinnerware
Ceramic dinnerware is versatile and stylish. It can be created in a range of designs, colors, and patterns. It is a popular choice for everyday use due to its durability, reducing the need for frequent replacements, and resistance to chipping and scratching, making it a good option for families with children. It can be washed in a dishwasher and put in a microwave, making it an excellent choice for everyday meals. When ceramic dinnerware is heated, it takes longer to cool down than other materials, such as glass or metal. This makes it ideal for keeping food warm for longer periods of time, which is particularly useful when hosting a dinner party or serving a large family meal. Ceramic dinnerware is also an eco-friendly choice because it is made from natural materials, such as clay and water, and can be recycled.
Analytical Methods for Lead and Cadmium
Cadmium and lead may show up in dinnerware and can be incredibly harmful when ingested. These chemicals can cause kidney, lung, and brain damage, impact children’s development, birth defects, and much more. ISO 6486-1:2019 specifies methods for the following calculations of these hazardous chemicals in dinnerware:
- Calculation of release of lead and cadmium from ceramic hollowware: the lead or cadmium released is obtained directly by the lead or cadmium concentrations of the sample extraction solution and expressed in micrograms per liter.
- Calculation of release of lead and cadmium from flatware: the lead or cadmium released per unit area from flatware and expressed in micrograms per square decimeter.
- Calculation of release of lead and cadmium from drinking rim: the release of lead and cadmium per article from the drinking rim should be calculated by multiplying the lead or cadmium concentrations by the volume of the test solution. This value is expressed in micrograms per article. Another option is to calculate the release of lead and cadmium from the drinking rim per unit of surface by multiplying the lead or cadmium concentrations by the volume of the test solution and dividing by the rim area. In this case, the value shall be expressed in micrograms per square decimeter.
