In our quest for the safest products for children, we’ve worked hard to avoid plastic, melamine, and other products that can leach dangerous chemicals or dangerous levels of naturally-occurring substances. One material that we really like for children’s mealtimes and lunch boxes is stainless steel.
High-grade stainless steel is considered food-grade or medical-grade. All of the stainless steel dishes and utensils at bynature.ca are made from high-grade stainless steel.
Stable Materials
One problem with plastics in direct contact with our food and our skin is its potential instability. Plastics can leach chemicals into food and into our bodies. Plastics are made with a huge variety of additives to mimic rubber, glass, and other stable materials. But, these additives are not all stable, especially when heated.
So, we look for stable materials for serving and storing food. Stainless steel is one of those stable materials.
Should I Be Cautious?
Stainless steel dishes and cookware can add iron and chromium to your food. Since our bodies need these, this isn’t a problem. Dishes don’t give off toxic amounts even if used every day for every meal.
They might also give off nickel, which isn’t toxic for most of us, but can be a problem for the approximately 10% of the population who are sensitive to nickel. If you or your child are sensitive to nickel, just don’t use stainless steel for cooking or eating.
How Long Will Stainless Steel Dishes Last?
Though stainless steel will last for a long time, it will show wear. You will probably see scratches from utensils, for example. These micro-scratches aren’t particularly unsightly. When you finally decide you are done with stainless steel dishes (maybe a generation from now!), they are 100% recyclable.
“If you or your child are sensitive to nickel, just don’t use stainless steel for cooking or eating.”
Thanks for the tip. Any advice on how to determine if someone is sensitive to nickel?
Steve, I think a lot of people notice a nickel sensitivity with jewelry. I itch and go red with some metals, and I’m fine with others. I can usually tell within a couple of days whether new earrings (usually the backs) will work for me or not. Check with a dermatologist. Here is some basic info about nickel allergies and sensitivities. http://www.webmd.com/allergies/nickel-jewelry-allergy