l work in cafe and a woman refused to take a cup of coffee the other day due to a small chip in the rim (the last mug in the whole shop on a bank holiday!!). She seemed very concerned we had a chipped mug and insisted we told our boss that chipped mugs cause heart disease. l really can not see any reason for it to cause heart disease specifically!
Anyone out there capable of enlightening me?

Chipped mugs probably harbour germs but they would not cause heart disease.

l dont think so thats silly!
Just becase a but of mug isnt there doesnt mean u will get heart desease!

l do not know about it causing heart disease, but germs and bacteria can get into the chip. In a restaurant, that can add up really fast. Where the finish is chipped on any plate or cup is germ town. I'd have asked for a new mug too.

l understand not accepting a chipped mug for sanitary reasons, but heart disease, really? It is very unlikely, but may be possible, to pick-up a virus or bacteria that could be associated with heart disease. That could happen whether the mug is chipped or not, or even without a mug. The lady seems a little neurotic to me, but to each their own. Besides, the customer has the right to expect clean, chip and crack free dinnerware and utensils without an explaination.

Terry

No. There is no plausible reason why using a chipped mug should cause heart disease. Heart disease (coronary artery disease) is caused by a combination of genetics, poor diet, lack of exercise, diabetes, high blood pressure, & smoking.

Mugs r generally made of glazed ceramics (baked clay). The glaze prevents any impurities or toxins from leaching out of the clay. While there is a theoretical risk that this may happen with a chipped mug, it is unlikely since the chip is probably not continuously exposed to the drink. As long as the mug is cleaned after each use, it is also unlikely to transmit infection.

heart disease -no. bacteria -yes. toss the chipped mug out.