Is Epoxy Food Safe? A Comprehensive Guide for Food Contact

Some artists love creating handmade items like cutting boards and eating utensils using epoxy resin, while others are interested in making beautiful food trays with epoxy, but they are concerned about the safety of using this material for food-related items. So, is epoxy food safe?” The answer is yes, but it depends on different types of epoxies. In this article, we'll help you learn how to choose food-safe epoxy resin, share key safety guidelines for working with it, and suggest some great options for food-safe epoxy resin products. Let's get crafting safely and confidently! 

What does “Epoxy Food Safe” mean?

According to the food conformity requirements of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), "Epoxy Food Safe" means that when fully cured and used as directed, epoxy is inert and will not leach any chemicals or release any taste or smell into food that it comes into contact with. Epoxy food safety also guarantees that people’s health is not endangered when food is exposed to epoxy. Moreover, it also indicates that this type of material releases no or very few free components into the food.

However, while a substance may be labeled as food-safe, it doesn't automatically mean it's suitable for all food-related purposes. While it's okay for the epoxy to come into contact with food and be touched before eating, it's not recommended for use as a food storage container or plate. 

*Note: It's important to note that when we mention epoxy being safe for handling food and consumption, we are talking about cured epoxy specifically. Before curing, liquid epoxy resin is toxic and should never be used with food or drinks. So, always make sure to handle epoxy safely and appropriately for your food-related needs.

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How Do I Know If My Epoxy Resin Is Food Safe?

If you are figuring out “is epoxy resin food safe?”, here you are! We've got you covered with 4 simple ways to check for yourself!

Check The Product Label And Documentation

To determine epoxy resin safety, inspect the label for hazard symbols like flame icons or skull and crossbones, which indicate potential risks. Or you should consider precautionary statements such as "do not ingest" are also red flags that the resin may not be food safe.

Additionally, we have to always prioritize safety and double-check information about food safety grade and toxicity. Here are some tips you should keep in mind when buying epoxy products to ensure they are safe for food:

• Label on products that states “FDA compliant”: Being "FDA compliant" ensures that a product has met the health and safety standards established by the United States Food and Drug Administration. With "FDA-compliant epoxy resin," following the instructions on the label and allowing it to fully cure guarantees that it is safe for direct contact with food.
• Low or no levels of BPA on the ingredient list of epoxy: BPA, short for Bisphenol A, is a chemical compound utilized in producing sturdy epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics that have direct contact with food. Although certain research suggests potential health risks associated with BPA, the FDA in the United States maintains that BPA will be safe at very low levels.

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

This sheet provides valuable information about the chemical properties and classifications of the resin components, giving you insight into whether it is safe for food contact. Additionally, the MSDS includes important details about personal protective measures that should be taken to ensure your safety when working with the resin.

Contact The Manufacturer

Reaching out to the manufacturer directly is also the best way if you are unsure whether your epoxy resin is food-safe. They will be able to provide you with accurate information regarding the safety of their product for food contact. It's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to using materials around food.

Certifications And Standards

There are certifications and standards you can look for to ensure whether your epoxy resin is safe for food contact. Here are some of the most reputable food safety certifications for epoxy resin according to different countries: 

Country	Certifications
The United States (US)	FDA 21 CFR 175.300 Resinous and Polymeric Coatings
The Great Britain (GB)	GB 4806.7-2016 National Standards For Food Safety
Canada (CA)	Canada Consumer Product Safety Act SOR 2018/83
Australia (AUS)	AS 2070-1999 Plastic Materials For Food Contact Use
The EU	Food Contact Plastics Regulations EU 10/2011

By checking for these certifications, you can have peace of mind knowing that your epoxy resin is safe for food-related uses.

Independent Laboratory Testing

One reliable way to ensure that your epoxy resin is safe for food contact is through independent laboratory testing. This involves thorough migration and leaching tests conducted by a reputable third-party lab. 

For example, if you send resin samples to reputable laboratories such as Foodtest Laboratories Ltd, which provides ISO 17025-certified testing services, and then receive the results of these tests showing that the epoxy resin meets government food safety regulations, it will give you peace of mind when using it for food-related applications.

Safety Rules for Food Safe with Epoxy Resin

Safety first! Here's everything you need to know about using epoxy resin in your kitchen to keep your food safe and your art projects stunning.

• Following instructions and the suggested ratio: This ensures that the epoxy cures properly and is safe for food contact.

• Avoid excessive heat: It is vital to refrain from heating cured epoxy resin beyond 165°F, as excessive heat can release harmful chemicals from the resin.
• Microwave caution: Don’t place the epoxy resin project into a microwave because microwaves can cause the resin to melt and potentially release toxic fumes.
• Full curing required: Don’t use epoxy resin if it is not fully cured because if we use resin uncured, it contains a lot of harmful chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) and epichlorohydrin. These chemicals can potentially leach into food and be ingested, posing health risks to consumers.
• Alcohol interaction: Not allowing epoxy resin coating to come into contact with alcohol because alcohol can break down the chemical bonds in the resin, causing it to weaken, crack, or even peel off over time. As a result, it potentially leeches harmful substances into food.
• Safety Data Sheet (SDS) inspection: Refer to the safety data sheet provided by the epoxy resin manufacturer to understand the potentially hazardous compounds that could be present in the resin.

Factors Affecting Food Safe Epoxy

As we mentioned above, epoxy food is safe when the product is used as directed and fully cured. So, how long does resin take to cure? Our article has analyzed the average curing times for popular resins to help you do your resin projects properly. Besides, let's take a closer look at other factors that can influence the safety of food-grade epoxy in food:

• Colorants: If you use a non-toxic and non-flammable epoxy resin, be careful when adding colorants as some may affect its safety. For a safe option, try ResinTint liquid colorants. They are non-toxic, mineral oil-based, solvent-free, and made to work perfectly with epoxy resin.

• Coating: There are some popular options for a clear finish coating for your food-related project without using epoxy resin. For example, Shellac is a great choice for a food-safe finish that's water-resistant. You could also try polyurethane, which is durable and commonly used by woodworkers. For tumblers, consider using CrystaLac, a water-based polyurethane that's gaining popularity as a safe alternative to epoxy resin. Woodworkers can also opt for spar urethane for their projects.
• Incorrect mixing ratio: Incorrect mixing ratios of epoxy can lead to incomplete curing, resulting in a sticky or soft finish that can contaminate food.
• Insufficient mixing: This can result in patches of the surface not being properly sealed, allowing for potential contamination of the food.
• Temperature of the food: Extreme temperatures can cause the epoxy to warp, crack, or degrade, which may not only compromise food safety but also the structural integrity of the surface. So, avoid placing food or liquids above 165°F on the epoxy resin surface.
• Acidity or alkalinity of the food: Epoxy coatings are generally resistant to a wide range of pH levels, but extreme acidity or alkalinity can potentially deteriorate the epoxy over time, compromising its food-safe properties.
• Concentration of the alcohol: Higher concentrations of alcohol may speed up the curing process, while lower concentrations may slow it down. This can impact the final strength and durability of the epoxy once it has hardened.
• Pigment types and load levels: Certain pigments such as Titanium Dioxide, Copper phthalocyanine, and Chromium Oxide Green may contain harmful chemicals that could leach into food if the epoxy is used in food contact surfaces. Various pigments are safe for food when used with epoxy, including titanium white pigment, pearl powders,... 
• Exposure of the hardener to carbon dioxide: If the hardener is exposed to excessive amounts of carbon dioxide, it may not cure properly or may develop bubbles and imperfections in the final finish. This could compromise the food safety of the epoxy by creating uneven or unstable surfaces that could harbor bacteria or contaminants.

9 Best Food Safe Epoxy Resin

Is there a food safe resin? In fact, there are many types of epoxy resin that are safe when in contact with food. Below we summarize the 9 most popular types of food safe epoxy resin.

Epoxy Resin	Working Time	Applications	Price
Stone Coat Countertop Epoxy	45+ minutes	Suitable for use on wood tables, resin coasters, and more.	$69.99 - $474.99
Art Resin	40 - 60 min at 23 - 25ºC	Applying thin layers to artwork, pouring into shallow molds, and flow art	$36 - $759
ZDSticky Epoxy Resin	40 minutes	Suitable for a variety of projects, such as: table, countertop, tumbler, floor, crafts items.	$32.49 - $77.59
MAX CLR Epoxy Resin	30 minutes at 25ºC	Good for countertops, tabletops, and chopping boards	$83.92 - $163.13
Ecopoxy Flowcast Epoxy Resin	Up to 4 hours (in mold)	Make gorgeous encased artwork, river tables, and ocean tables	$42.99 – $114.99
Art ‘N Glow Epoxy Resin	40 minutes	Excel in both casting AND coating applications such as creating beautiful fluid pours, seal canvas paintings, and coat bars and countertops	$19.95 - $139.95
ProMarine Supplies Art Resin	30 - 45 minutes	Perfect for paintings, pictures, woodwork, jewelry	$46.99 - $164.07
Craft Resin	45 - 50 minutes	Handmade jewelry, canvas, coasters, mold casting, tabletop coating, and art	$31.99 - $144.99
Superclear Deep Pour Epoxy Resin	30 - 45 minutes	Adaptable to various creative projects such as river tables, substantial mold castings	$68.24 - $239.38

*Note: Please note that prices as shown are valid at the time of publication and are subject to change without prior notice.

Stone Coat Countertop Epoxy

• Brand: Stone Coat Countertops
• Uses: Woodworking, bar tops, counters, kitchens, bathrooms
• Compatible Material: Wood, Metal, Granite, Marble, Stone
• Item Form: Liquid

The Stone Coat Art Coat Resin is a top-notch coating resin that comes with a high-quality yellowing filter and no VOCs, making it safe to use. Plus, it's FDA-approved as a food-safe resin, and its kits are USDA-approved, free from harsh industrial chemicals.

Art Resin

• Brand: ArtResin
• Uses: Creating art pieces such as resin geode art, ocean art, resin tumblers, coating surfaces
• Compatible Material: MDF, art boards, acrylic sheet, concrete, metal and wood
• Item Form: Liquid

According to ArtResin, their products are completely safe for users as they have passed 13 food safety tests and are certified non-toxic, BPA-free, and non-flammable. They were created with artists in mind, but once fully cured, it is also safe to use with food.

ZDSticky Epoxy Resin

• Brand: Zdspoxy
• Uses: Mainly used in the jewelry industry because of its much thicker consistency. It also used for craft, model, wallpaper
• Compatible Material: Wood
• Item Form: Liquid

ZDSticky is a top-notch food-safe epoxy. Not only is it ultra-low odor and smoke-free, but it also has no harmful VOCs and offers stable performance. Plus, this product is FDA-approved, meeting all their strict standards. It's a great option for treating wooden surfaces and countertops in your kitchen. 

ZDSticky Epoxy Resin works best on wood materials. In addition, we have also compiled 15+ best epoxy resins for wood with a complete analysis of the pros and cons as well as outstanding features of each type to help you have more choices.

MAX CLR Epoxy Resin

• Brand: The Epoxy Experts, MAX EPOXY SYSTEMS
• Uses: Food safe coating, hobby and crafts adhesive, protective and decorative coatings.
• Compatible Material: Kevlar, Wood, Plastics, Frp, Metals, Glass, Concrete, Eps Foam, Stone,...
• Item Form: Liquid

The MAX CLR epoxy resin is FDA approved for short direct contact with food, making it safe for coating kitchen countertops used for food preparation. Many people have also successfully used it to coat ceramic mugs and bowls without experiencing any negative effects. So, it is food safe epoxy for mugs.

Ecopoxy Flowcast Epoxy Resin

• Brand: EcoPoxy
• Uses: For river tables, ocean tables, encapsulated objects, decorative art pieces, and custom furniture
• Compatible Material: Plastic, Wood, Glass 
• Item Form: Liquid

The FDA has not yet approved this brand's resins as food-safe. Although the resins include bioactive components, they are considered safe for short contact with food. Despite this limitation, the brand prides itself on its eco-friendly practices, and its durable epoxy is especially suitable for applications requiring thick pours such as countertops and tables.

Art ‘N Glow Epoxy Resin

• Brand: Art 'N Glow
• Uses: Craft, Art, Coating, Casting, Professional, DIY, Jewelry
• Compatible Material: Wood, canvas, aluminum, inkjet prints, glossy photographs
• Item Form: Liquid

This resin is food safe in compliance with FDA regulations (CFR 21 175.300). It has a low odor and is free of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Because of these features, it is an ideal choice for various applications such as crafting table tops, making epoxy-coated tumblers, or crafting elegant serving trays.

ProMarine Supplies Art Resin

• Brand: Pro Marine Supplies
• Uses: Craft
• Compatible Material: Wood, Plastic
• Item Form: Liquid

This food-safe epoxy resin is perfect for projects where food contact is involved, like kitchen table tops and bar tops. It doesn't contain any VOCs and is FDA-compliant, making it a safe and reliable choice for such applications.

Craft Resin

• Brand: Craft Resin
• Uses: DIY art, tabletop coating, mold casting, canvas, coasters and jewelry making
• Compatible Material: Acrylics, concrete, glass, wood, metal, rocks
• Item Form: Liquid

According to Acrylic Painting School, Craft Resin may not have an FDA label, but rest assured it has been tested by a 3rd party and deemed completely safe for food contact, with no harmful toxins. This epoxy resin is low odor, non-toxic, and free of any harmful chemicals, making it perfect for both home DIY projects and professional use.

Superclear Deep Pour Epoxy Resin

• Brand: FGCI
• Uses: Deep pour projects
• Compatible Material: Wood, Glass
• Item Form: Liquid

This specially formulated epoxy resin prioritizes safety above all else. According to FGCI, the manufacturer of this product, their products are designed to be VOC and BPA-free and compliant with food safety standards like FDA 21 CFR 175.300, ASTM D-4236, making it perfect for use in food preparation areas. Additionally, its low odor and VOC-free formula make it a safer option for users and benefit the environment.

So, how do we quịkly know “is epoxy food safe?”. The following tips will assist you:

• Read the ingredients before purchasing: Take a close look at the ingredients list of the epoxy to see if there are any harmful chemicals or additives that could potentially leach into food. Opt for epoxy that is made from non-toxic materials.
• Buy epoxy from reputable brands: Do some research online or ask for recommendations from fellow DIY enthusiasts to find reputable brands that specialize in food-safe epoxy products. 
• Look for customer reviews: Before making a purchase, read up on customer reviews to see if others have had positive experiences using the epoxy for food-related projects. 
• Double-check with the manufacturer: If you're unsure about whether a specific epoxy product is food safe, don't hesitate to reach out to the manufacturer directly for clarification.

Conclusion

In conclusion,  is epoxy food safe? While some epoxies may contain harmful chemicals that can leach into food, there are food-safe epoxy options available that are designed to be non-toxic and safe for food contact. It is important to carefully read labels, do thorough research, and consult with manufacturers to determine the safety of a particular epoxy before using it in food-related projects.

FAQs

Is Epoxy Food Safe After It Dries?

Epoxy becomes food-safe once it has completely cured and has been properly prepared as per the manufacturer's guidelines. It's important to keep food and drinks away from the liquid resin and hardener before they cure. 

Is Epoxy Safe To Eat Off Of? 

No, epoxy is not safe to eat off of. Epoxy is a type of resin that contains chemicals which can be toxic if ingested. It is important to always use materials that are designated as food-safe when coming into contact with food.

Is Epoxy Food Safe On Metal? 

Epoxy Food Safe is applied on metal, as long as the resin is mixed correctly according to manufacturer’s instructions and given enough time to cure completely. To ensure the best results, it's important to start with a clean metal surface, free from any dust or grease. 

Can You Put Food In Resin? 

Sure, you can embed food items in epoxy, but it's best to do a sample test beforehand. Make sure the food is completely dry because any moisture can lead to rotting in the resin. For things like cookies that can soak up epoxy, it's a good idea to seal them first for better results.

Conclusion

In conclusion,  is epoxy food safe? While some epoxies may contain harmful chemicals that can leach into food, there are food-safe epoxy options available that are designed to be non-toxic and safe for food contact. It is important to carefully read labels, do thorough research, and consult with manufacturers to determine the safety of a particular epoxy before using it in food-related projects.