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Cracked/chipped crockery - is it safe to use?

  • 18-05-2016 04:12PM
    #1
    Yorky
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,484 ✭✭✭


    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.


Comments

  • #2
    Faith
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 30,661 Mod ✭✭✭✭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.


  • #3
    nkav86
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 714 ✭✭✭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


  • #4
    squonk
    Moderators, Entertainment Moderators, Paid Member Posts: 11,589 Mod ✭✭✭✭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.


  • #5
    Dizzyblonde
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Politics Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,110 CMod ✭✭✭✭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 :(


  • #6
    duploelabs
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,021 ✭✭✭✭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


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  • #7
    Tree
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 4,875 Mod ✭✭✭✭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.


  • #8
    Mr Magnolia
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 10,450 Mod ✭✭✭✭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.


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