20 years ago, the most common type of rigid spatula (or "turner") was smooth, thin (as in 3mm or less with a sharp edge), and generally made of nylon. These spatulas were not very durable (leading edges tended to melt), but they were very very good for making eggs and other delicate non-stick-pan dishes. And they were dirt cheap ($1 or so).
Here's pictures of the kind of spatula/turner I'm talking about:
By 10 years ago, these excellent egg turners had completely vanished from store shelves. At this point, I can't find them, even at thrift stores. Today's plastic turners are thick, blunt-edged, and rough … absolutely terrible for crepes or omlettes. I'm down to my last 2 hoarded smooth thin plastic turners.
I've searched online, and I can't find any kind of health scare, trend or other information on what would have caused manufacturers to universally change how they made plastic turners. I also can't find anywhere to buy the old style.
So, this question is two-fold:
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Why did manufacturers stop making thin, smooth plastic turner spatulas?
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Where, if anywhere, can I buy this style of spatula?
AMENDED PER ANSWER BELOW: I am not talking about melamine spatulas, which are rigid. Both of the spatulas in the picture are semi-flexable.
Amended for more clarity: Per the discussion below, I did some actual measuring. The spatulas in question are sharp edged at the front, around 1-1.5mm on the edge, and no more than 3mm in the center.
FOR THE BOUNTY: either tell me where I can buy a new spatula like the ones pictured, OR explain why they're no longer available … with a reference. Thanks!
Best Answer
The old thin utensils were made of Nylon.
The reasons they are hard to find is that traditional Nylon is difficult to manufacture within food standard guidelines for PAA (Primary Aromatic Amines) migration, and does not bio-degrade or burn safely. For relevant references, your local government health department will have papers on PAA migration.
Given that, many utensil manufactures have moved on to other plastics, mostly silicone. Though some use PA66 (Nylon 6,6), which is that thick chunky black plastic stuff.
Try wooden spatulas. They are simple, clean, disposable, and you can get them in thin wedge shapes (e.g. at Asian supply shops).