Cracked/chipped crockery - is it safe to use?

Yorky

Is it is safe to use crockery (plates and oven dish) with hairline cracks?
I'm reluctant to throw them away if they're safe.

Would be grateful for any replies - referenced links a bonus!

I can't find a definitive answer online.

Faith

I don't know that there is a definitive answer. Th general adage of "If in doubt, throw it out" seems to stand. Why risk it causing someone potentially serious harm?

They may be safe, or they may crack further, resulting in someone swallowing shards of glass or crockery. I guess it's up to you if you want to risk being responsible for that.

nkav86

Personally I'd still use them, unless it was a deep crack. But I'd expect it to get worse especially the oven dish

squonk

The reason I'd heard that chipped cups were a bad thing is that the exposed unglazed surface was a haven for bacteria and germs. That sounds a bit like an old wives tale to me now, especially in the era of dishwashers.

On a practical note, if something is chipped then a crack can start to develope. With the forces involved in being filled with hot liquids or plates being put in the oven etc. cracks can often turn terminal so there's a real risk of burns happening as a result.

Dizzyblonde

I'd never use a cracked oven dish, I'd be afraid it would completely break in the oven and the food would be wasted

duploelabs

squonk wrote: »

The reason I'd heard that chipped cups were a bad thing is that the exposed unglazed surface was a haven for bacteria and germs. That sounds a bit like an old wives tale to me now, especially in the era of dishwashers.

It is no old wives tale as the majority of domestic dishwashers won't go above 75 degrees, which is needed to kill off any bacteria

Tree

Tends to depend on the type of crack/chip.
You'll be heart broken if you try to use them in the microwave, so you'll need to start replacing them for that.

Mr Magnolia

I wouldn't thaw raw, frozen chicken on a cracked plate and raw chicken is my litmus test in the kitchen.

If a piece of crockery is cracked it can, and will, harbour harmful bacteria. I throw them out. Also, it could give way at the worst moment and scald someone.