We often encounter questions about the safety of epoxy for food contact, highlighting a common confusion online. While we aren’t chemists, this article aims to clarify the topic of Food Grade Epoxy, offering practical guidelines for anyone considering using epoxy in food-related applications.
The concern is understandable: epoxy involves chemicals. Specifically, epoxy is created by mixing two liquid chemical components that, when combined, transform into a solid substance. After curing, most of the original liquid compounds are absent. However, the key term here is “chemicals,” which naturally raises questions about safety, especially when it comes to food.
To understand epoxy better, let’s look at a definition from Wikipedia: “Epoxy is either any of the basic components or the cured end products of epoxy resins, as well as a colloquial name for the epoxide functional group. Epoxy resins, also known as polyepoxides, are a class of reactive prepolymers and polymers which contain epoxide groups.” These resins can be cross-linked with various co-reactants, often called hardeners or curatives, through a process known as curing.
Naturally, no one would willingly consume these chemicals in their liquid or uncured form. However, the real question is about the safety of cured epoxy surfaces coming into contact with food. This is where nuances arise, as various scenarios exist.
For example, would you eat scrambled eggs directly off an epoxy surface? Unappetizing, perhaps. What about a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on bread touching epoxy? Maybe less concerning. Would you use an epoxy surface to cut raw meat? Definitely not recommended!
Adding to the confusion is the frequently asked question: “Is epoxy ‘Food Grade’?” This is a critical point of misunderstanding. The terms “food safe” and “food grade” are often used interchangeably, but they are distinctly different, especially from a regulatory perspective like the FDA.
Food Grade Epoxy: Meeting FDA Standards
“Food Grade” epoxy is specifically formulated and manufactured to be safe for food contact, both in its raw material composition and in its cured state. Manufacturers of food grade epoxy must undergo rigorous and costly testing by the FDA to achieve this certification.
The FDA, in its Title 21, Volume 3 report, acknowledges the existence of food safe epoxy. While epoxy isn’t typically associated with kitchen settings, certain brands market their epoxies as formulated with FDA-approved raw materials. These epoxies are designed to “comply” with CFR 175.300, making them suitable for direct and indirect food contact in equipment, utensils, and appliances used in food handling.
Navigating Misinformation and Clarification
The issue is often the distortion of information. Like a game of telephone, the message around epoxy safety gets muddled. Online discussions, from beginners to even some manufacturers, sometimes blur the lines between “food safe” and “food grade.” New users often ask about “food safe” epoxy, and some experts might simply say “yes” based on a brand’s marketing materials, without fully addressing the “food grade” distinction. Some manufacturers might also inadvertently create confusion by vaguely referencing FDA regulations.
To clarify, while some epoxies are generally considered safe around food once properly mixed and cured because they become an inert plastic, this doesn’t automatically qualify them as “food grade.” The suitability depends entirely on the specific application and how food will interact with the epoxy surface.
Expanding Uses and Food Contact Applications
The use of epoxy in food-related applications has significantly increased. People are using epoxy for countertops, bar tops, cutting boards, charcuterie boards, serving trays, drink tumblers, and more. This widespread adoption makes understanding food safety even more crucial.
WiseBond® Epoxies and Food Contact Safety
WiseBond® Epoxies, for instance, are 100% solids and VOC-Free. When mixed and fully cured for 30 days according to instructions, they become an inert plastic. It’s important to note that epoxy is not antimicrobial, and it’s not safe to ingest in liquid or cured form. WiseBond® advises against cutting or preparing raw food directly on epoxy surfaces.
Crucially, specific WiseBond® products, “Deep Pour 2” Epoxy: Part A and B, and WiseBond® Bar & Table Top Epoxy: Part A and B,” have been independently tested and certified to conform to FDA standards under USFDA 21 CFR 175.300 Condition E from Table 2. These products passed extraction testing for surfaces in contact with food at room temperature and are compliant with FDA regulation 21 CFR 175.300, Condition E. However, this certification applies to the clear epoxy formula only. Adding any colorant to the epoxy changes its formulation and voids this FDA compliance. For detailed testing information, contacting [email protected] is recommended.
Understanding BPA and Epoxy Composition
Even with “food safe” or “food grade” considerations, it’s important to understand the components of epoxy. A key ingredient in many epoxies is Bisphenol A (BPA) or Bisphenol F (BPF). Over 60% of epoxies contain significant amounts of Bisphenol A, an industrial chemical used since the 1960s to make polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate plastics are commonly found in food and beverage containers, such as water bottles and can linings.
Concerns about BPA arose when studies in 1997 indicated potential adverse effects of low-dose BPA exposure in laboratory animals. Research began exploring links between BPA exposure and health issues, particularly related to reproduction, pregnancy, and embryonic development.
While BPA is used in food contact applications like can linings, its levels are generally low compared to the volumes used in epoxy for crafts and table making. Despite ongoing research and debates about BPA’s safety, including its listing as a carcinogen by California’s OEHHA in 2015, it remains a common component in many epoxies.
Choosing Epoxy Wisely for Food Contact
The key difference between epoxy brands lies in their intended use. Some epoxies are formulated for industrial applications like aircraft adhesives or boat coatings, where food safety isn’t a concern. However, for applications where epoxy will contact food, especially directly, understanding the distinction between general “food safe” and certified “food grade” is paramount.
Properly following mixing and curing instructions is critical to minimizing potential risks and ensuring the epoxy achieves its intended properties.
Conclusion: Informed Decision-Making for Epoxy and Food
In summary, cured epoxy can be generally considered “food safe” for incidental, short-term contact. However, it’s not always “food grade.” These are distinct categories. Ultimately, it’s your responsibility as the user to assess the practicality and safety of your epoxy choice and application when food contact is involved. Understanding the formulation, intended use, and certifications, such as FDA compliance, is crucial for making informed decisions about using epoxy in food-related projects.
