Melamine Bowls

Melamine bowls are very sturdy break-resistant bowls made from a plastic melamine material. They are available in a wide variety to colors and shapes. Melamine will resist stains and bacteria, making them a popular choice for use in the kitchen.

The safety of Melamine bowls, dishes, plates and other server-ware has become of concern after the 2007 recall of pet food and the 2008 recall of baby formula due to melamine contamination. The melamine in the pet food was made in a different way from the way melamine is made when dishware is manufactured. Melamine consists of 67% nitrogen mixed with carbon and hydrogen.http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/10/22/FD1313JJBF.DTL&type=printable Melamine dishes and bowls are made by using formaldehyde and a heating process to create a Melamine resin.http://safemama.com/2008/10/07/what-is-melamine-a-crash-course/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/10/22/FD1313JJBF.DTL&type=printable

Melamine generally has a low toxicity, and ingested trace Melamine is passed through the adult body without causing damage.http://healthychild.org/blog/comments/melamine_in_formula_in_candy_in_kids_dishes/ Although there have been no public advisories regarding the safety of Melamine plates and children, some parents avoid allowing their children to eat off Melamine plates.http://safemama.com/2008/10/07/what-is-melamine-a-crash-course/ Theoretically, 'chemical leaching' can be avoided by never microwaving or exposing Melamine to high heat and washing the dishes and bowls in warm water.http://safemama.com/2008/10/07/what-is-melamine-a-crash-course/

The first successful Melamine was made in 1937, being rationed for wartime manufacture. During World War II it was used by the Navy for use on the rough seas because it was unbreakable. Melamine bowls became popular in the 1950s and 1960s because of their brilliant colors, colorful patterns and durability.

They fell from popularity in the 1970s when polyethylene plastic, like Tupperware, was introduced. Recently, Melamine has made it's way back to store shelves, being marketed as a cheap, versatile and fun accessory for kitchens. In recent years, people became concerned about the safety of Melamine after baby formula was recalled in China because it was found to be contaminated with Melamine or the compound cyanuric acid.http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/11/28/infant.formula.melamine/http://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/60-second-science/post.cfm?id=melamine-traces-found-in-samples-of-2008-11-26