BS 5577:1999

This standard BS 5577:1999 Specification for table cutlery with non-metallic handles is classified in these ICS categories:

• 97.040.60 Cookware, cutlery and flatware

This British Standard specifies material and performance requirements for cutlery with non-metallic handles intended for use at the dining table. It includes knives, forks, spoons, carving sets, ladles and other serving pieces.

Requirements are specified for stainless steel cutlery and silver-plated nickel-silver or silver-plated stainless steel cutlery. This standard does not cover cutlery wholly made of precious metals, aluminium, non-stainless steel or that made entirely of plastics, nor does it cover gold-plated or chromium-plated cutlery except for chromium-plated sharpening steels. However, cutlery incorporating sterling silver caps and ferrules or unplated nickel-silver rivets and caps are within the scope of this standard.

Composition limits are specified for steels and non-ferrous metals for cutlery.

Requirements are specified for non-metal handles made from the more commonly used materials (see 4.2.4), but not those made from exotic materials such as ivory or mother-of-pearl. The standard includes requirements for cutlery with non-metal handles for use in a dishwashing machine.

In the case of silver-plated cutlery, three minimum average thicknesses are specified, first, second and third class, with decreasing thickness of the silver deposit.