How to make non-toxic ceramics bowls and plates for serving food? Are there any special materials required?

Question

I can make clay pieces myself but am wondering if there is anything to take note of if I were to use them to serve food. I mean must I use special glaze or firing techniques? I would like to teach my primary students to make them for use in class. Thanks.

Thank you for your helpful and detailed answers. If anyone out there has more information about this, I would appreciate them too!

Answer 1

you want to use lead free glazes.
You shouldn't let primary students use lead glazes anyway.
Ask in the store you buy your glazes from which ones they have and they can show you all which are food safe. Nowadays the majority, though they tend to be high fire glazes.

Answer 2

Go to your local Ceramic shop, look in the yellow pages. You're going to need dinnerware safe glazes. These are all lead free and safe for kids to use.
If you live in South Mississippi, I know where you can get some ceramic molds for free, especially since your doing this with kids.
You can teach the kids to make their own handmade pieces, they'll love it & their Moms will treasure these forever.
Email me for more info.

Answer 3

I think ti states in your glaze catolouges if that glaze is dfinner ware safe. There is a national rating system that allows you to determine if that glaze is safe to use for dinner ware. Usally, most will work, unless they are crackle or have certain chemicals in them that would make them unsafe. Regular coloreed glaze with flux should work fine though.