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I've been thinking the same thing about plates lately - we've been using some divided melamine plates from target for our kids, and heat up food separately in glass bowls. Still want to do something less fake and love the corelle plates. Just looked at the amazon listing and am confused - can anyone tell me how many plates are part of this set? I would think one, but the shipping weight is 20 pounds!

Re: Corelle

This is the message that popped up on Amazon when I tried to add some Corelle dishes to my cart:

California Proposition 65
California Proposition 65 requires special product labeling for products containing certain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm if the product will expose the consumer to such chemicals. Lead levels in these products comply with FDA standards. California requires the following separate notice:

Prop 65 Warning: This product contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, and other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

Prop 65 Warning for ceramic tableware: "WARNING: Use of this tableware will expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm."


I guess you just can't win!

Whoa, Elle78! That's alarming! I found this blog post where the author wrote to the major dinnerware manufacturers to ask about their lead levels. Here's the reply from the folks at Corelle:

"Our specifications are that stoneware products and glazes are made of clay-based materials and glazes used throughout the industry. Decorations, if present, are made from low-lead enamels and fired at temperatures exceeding 1000 degrees F, which binds any heavy metals both physically and chemically so that their release is minimized."

The full post:http://wildinthecity.ca/2007/11/19/there-is-no-more-lead-in-my-dinnerware-i-think

I also found this article from a few weeks ago from the Salt Lake Tribune who reported on local testing of dinnerware which found Corelle and Corning products to be "consistently lead-free". Here's the link:
http://www.sltrib.com/health/ci_7965309

I've even seen stainless-steel ones in kitchen supply stores (and used in indian restaurants). Not microwaveable though.

Thanks CMcB. I'll check out the articles.

That's worrisome. I am a ceramist, and I was taught from the beginning of my education that using glazes containing any amount of lead and/or barium are unacceptable for dinnerware. I had no idea that a corporation like Corelle would use lead in their products.

I've been searching for something like this for a long time...Crate and Barrel had some for awhile but I failed to snatch them up before they were gone.

We microwave in small glass or ceramic bowls and then transfer to melamine or other non-breakable bowls. 2 dishes to clean but much safer.

these look great, but does anyone know of non-plastic divided dishes that have a non-leaking lid? (I know this post was a long time ago, but this page is all i've found.)