ONYX Designs is committed to the health and safety of its consumers, therefore only produces 100% authentic pure melamine products. Consumers need to make sure when purchasing dishware that the melamine bought is 100% authentic.
Inauthentic melamine uses Urea Formaldehyde, which is suitable for electrical appliances and not for tableware. As this material has a lower melting point, Urea Formaldehyde secretes toxin chemicals, contaminating the food & beverage at a much lower melting point (70°C), leading to the development of kidney stones.
Signs of poisoning may include irritability, blood in urine, little or no urine, signs of kidney infection and high blood pressure.
Below are a few ways to differentiate between authentic and inauthentic melamine:
Burn Test
A simple burn test involves burning the tip of melamine with wax for 20 seconds. Any pungent smell of formaldehyde gas released means it is not food grade. Original melamine would have the burnt appearance but no formaldehyde smell released when tested.
Boil Test
Test authenticity of melamine by boiling for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Fake melamine will deform and bend and even melt when heated. Steaming fake melamine also causes eye irritation, coughing and nausea.
Size and Weight
Authentic melamine should be heavier and thicker. Fake melamine has an appearance more similar to plastic. When two pieces of melamine are crashed against each other, original melamine will sound thicker than fake melamine.
Melamine Surface
Authentic melamine will have a smoother and shinier surface. Fake melamine has a greater tendency to be easily stained by dark-colored drinks (coffee or tea) over a shorter period of time.