Talavera - lead free or not?

Recently I bought a talavera dinner set in Mexico. The person we
bought it from stated that it was not dishwasher safe. I never thought
of asking if it was lead free. Is there any sure way of testing the
pieces to see if they are lead free?

Lead hasn't been used in glazes in Mexico for decades now.
Remember that Mexicans eat off those plates too-everyday.
Don't worry.




On 28 Dec 2003 10:57:23 -0800, (Ian) wrote:

Recently I bought a talavera dinner set in Mexico. The person we
bought it from stated that it was not dishwasher safe. I never thought
of asking if it was lead free. Is there any sure way of testing the
pieces to see if they are lead free?

Lead is still being used in Talavera made in Delores Hidalgo. Many
times it has a sticker on it that says not for use with food. If it has
a beautiful soft semi gloss patina it may be lead. If it has a shiny,
high fire apperance it is possibly not lead. I think you can buy a lead
kit at Home Depot or out of a handyman-hardware catalog. Hot or acid
food is not recommended if it is lead. I use a glass plate on mine.