What is Melamine Dinnerware and is It Safe?

Melamine is a chemical that can be found in a variety of plastic goods, including cutlery, tableware, and other items. In this article, we will talk about whether or not it is safe to use and any potential hazards. Read on to find out if this dinnerware is suitable for you and your business.

What is Melamine Dinnerware?

Melamine is a chemical that has been licensed for a range of industrial uses in the United States, though it is most commonly associated with melamine dinnerware. Melamine is a byproduct of the mining of coal. It is used to produce plates, cups, bowls, cutlery, plastic products, industrial coatings, and paper goods. In certain countries, it is used as a fertilizer, although this is not permitted in the United States.

Melamine Dinnerware Benefits

So why are food service companies transitioning to melamine tableware?

• Melamine is an FDA-approved food-safe plastic
• Can look like stoneware, pottery, or wood
• Lightweight
• Heat-resistant
• Dishwasher-safe
• Provides sustainable options
• Versatile designs
• Durable enough for dining rooms, patios, and poolside bars

Featured Product: American Metalcraft MEL21

Origins

Dishes made from melamine resin are known as melamine dinnerware. For the production of melatline resin, the organic component melatline is mixed with formaldehyde under high temperatures and pressures. Dinnerware, including bowls, plates, cups, and sometimes cutlery, is formed by pressing the mixture into a mold. The resulting material has excellent versatility, is resistant to heat and fire, and is nearly indestructible.

It used to be so popular back in the 1950s when it could be found in almost every home's cooking space. Melamine dinnerware sets in the 1960s and 1970s, when were seen as more appropriate for outdoor activities like picnics and camping than formal dining. Today, melatline dinnerware sets are once again a well-liked option for informal al fresco dining, particularly on patios and terraces.

Is Melamine Safe?

The melamine scare that occurred in 2007 and 2008 was caused by the discovery that Chinese-made pet food and infant formula contained the chemical. Several newborns died and many more became ill after melamine was illegally added to the formula to artificially boost the protein content.

Similarly, thousands of pets in North America died after eating pet food manufactured in China. For this 'contamination,' 60 million cans of dog food were recalled.

So why is melamine still employed in manufacturing in light of these horrors? The material used to produce food packaging, dishware, and other non-ingestible goods differs greatly from melamine which is added on purpose to foods.

When used as intended (in dishware and other permitted applications), the FDA has given melamine the all-clear.

This is because most of the melamine is burned off during the molding process for melamine items, which is why they are so expensive. There is barely any left in the final products. While this is released when melamine is heated or acidified, it is not thought to be harmful at the levels normally seen.

However, due to the increased vulnerability of newborns to the effects of melamine poisoning, it is recommended that formula not be prepared with these ingredients. As a further precaution, the FDA warns against using melamine to cook acidic foods. For this reason, you shouldn't even think about microwaving melamine.

Small Risk of Melamine Toxicity

Fortunately, cases of acute melamine toxicity are quite uncommon. But it can cause kidney stones, renal failure, and even death. The signs and symptoms of melamine toxicity can include:

• Having an abnormally high blood pressure
• A strong desire to urinate now
• A lack of urination or a severely reduced rate of urination
• Toxicity of urine (blood)
• Flap pain and/or lower back pain
• Irritability.

Seek emergency medical assistance if you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms. Acute melamine poisoning is uncommon, and the long-term effects of melamine exposure are unknown.

Various Advantages and Disadvantages

Think about the benefits and drawbacks of using melamine dishware before making a final decision.

Pros of Melamine

• Dishwasher-safe
• Durable
• Reusable
• Cheaper (most of the time)

Cons

• No microwaveable usage allowed.
• The slight risk of long-term exposure-related health problems

Alternatives: Melamine-Free Dishes

These products are labeled as melamine-free or plastic-free, making them easy to find.

Melamine-free dishes and utensils are available such as:

• Bone China Dinnerware
• Enamel Dinnerware
• Wooden Dinnerware
• Glass Dinnerware
• Crystal Glassware
• Non-Stick Frying Pans
• Metal Dinnerware

Featured Product: American Metalcraft BAM211