by 
The Curious Bag
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<h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: Collectable Plates May Contain Lead
According to the Danish Environmental Protection Agency, collectible plates from Royal Copenhagen may contain lead-based paint. The reason this is allowed by the Danish government is that the plates are considered unlikely to be in contact with "foodstuffs." The FDA states that ingesting lead can cause damage to the central nervous system at lower levels and death at higher levels. It specifically advises against using old or imported pottery in connection with food.
On the Other: Not all of Royal Copenhagen plates are collectable
Royal Copenhagen makes high-end dinnerware that is intended for food. Their sites lists these plates as being dishwasher and, in some cases, microwave safe. These plates are safe to use with food.
Bottom Line
If the plates are collectibles, it is not advisable to use them for food. Even the modern plates may contain lead, so the age of the plate should not be a determining factor. So if you are considering using Royal Copenhagen plates, make sure they are from their dinnerware line and not collectibles. Those should only be used for display.
Source:
Danish Environmental Protection Agency: Evaluation of the Danish Statutory Order on Lead
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