Food safe ceramics and glazes is a complex subject. On this topic glaze technologists, toxicologists, artists, craftsmen, industrialists, lawyers and legislators meet. And I’m sure I’ve forgotten a few more. It’s also a subject I’m dealing with. Not as a glaze technologist, but as a craft entrepreneur.

A well-balanced glaze is not only durable, it is also safe for everyday use. As is my functional pottery, in EU jargon FCMs (Food Container Materials).

This means that my ceramics/glazes comply with the current EU directive ‘ceramic articles intended to come into contact with foodstuffs’. But these EU laws may soon be tightened.

What are the consequences for me and other artisan potters in Europe? I had an interview about this last week by two researchers on behalf of the European Commission for Health and Food Safety.