Epoxy & Food Contact: What’s Safe, What Isn’t (and Why)

Epoxy & Food Contact: What’s Safe, What Isn’t (and Why)

Is epoxy resin food-safe? It is among the most frequently posed questions by resin artists and hobby makers of DIYs; particularly when making tumblers, trays, serving boards, or countertops. The answer is, yes, but with significant restrictions, in some cases. Epoxies are not all created equal, and their usage will prove a difference. In this guide, you will de-pack FDA guidance, manufacturer claims and safe practices so that you can create confidently and still remain compliant.

Why Food Safety Matters with Epoxy

Epoxy is a thermosetting polymer: two materials (resin and hardener) are mixed and formed a hard and strong surface. It is strong, glossy and waterproof- this makes it appealing to use in kitchenware and table work.

But epoxy chemistry is complex. Uncured resin and hardener can be toxic. Some of these formulations can also leech chemicals when exposed to heat, alcohol or acidic foods even after the curing process. Essentially, it is imperative to learn what food-safe is and then you should not epoxy anywhere near your kitchen.

What “Food-Safe” Really Means

When people ask if epoxy is food-safe, they usually mean: “Can I eat off it without harm?”

The reality is a little more complicated:

The compliance with FDA in the US: In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) controls the materials that can be in contact with food. An epoxy which has been independently tested and certified as meeting the FDA requirements with full cure can be marketed as food-safe.

Although FDA is an authority of the U.S., it is common to use its testing standards as a global standard. In the UK/EU, this is also governed by EU Regulation 10/2011 that states that food-contact materials must be safe.

Incidental contact vs. direct contact:

Incidental contact: A coating on a table, tray, or coaster where food may touch briefly.

Direct/prolonged contact: Plates, utensils, or surfaces constantly in contact with food.

The majority of epoxies can only be used in incidental contact, rather than direct prolonged food contact.

Heat & alcohol resistance: Even a food safe epoxy may creep or bleed in high temperatures (such as in hot pans) or solvents (such as wine or spirits). That is why a lot of manufacturers recommend against cutting or placing hot cookware on epoxy.

FDA & Manufacturer Guidance

• ArtResin (well-known in the craft space) states its resin is non-toxic when used as directed and conforms to ASTM D-4236 safety standards. It is also tested for incidental food contact once cured.
• Other brands, including some UK suppliers, provide similar assurances but stop short of calling their products “FDA food-safe for direct contact.”
• The FDA itself does not “approve” consumer products. Instead, resins are tested to FDA 21 CFR 175.300 standards by independent labs. Only then can a manufacturer claim FDA compliance.

Important takeaway: Unless your epoxy has third-party testing to confirm FDA compliance, you should assume it’s not guaranteed food-safe for prolonged contact.

Safe Use Cases for Epoxy Resin

Here is what you can confidently make with quality craft epoxy (properly mixed and cured):

• Serving trays & charcuterie boards (for placing food temporarily)
• Tumbler exteriors (with stainless steel or glass inside)
• Countertops & tabletops (incidental food contact is expected)
• Coasters & decorative dishes (fine for short-term contact)

What to Avoid

• Cutting boards: Knife cuts may leave spots on the epoxy layer where bacteria or resin particles may be able to leach.
• Plates & bowls: Constant direct food contact is not recommended unless the resin is specifically tested for this.
• Hot pans & dishes: Most epoxies become soft at 50-60 degree C (122-140 degree F). Hot cookware should not be put over the resin.
• Epoxy: Epoxy may be dulled or damaged by strong spirits.

Best Practices for Food-Safe Epoxy Projects

1. Select the appropriate resin: Select resins with claims of being food safe when cured and include a test reference.

2. Combine well: Ratios that are not correct result in unreacted chemicals that are not safe. Weigh/volume is to be measured at all times.

3. Allow full cure: Most resins need 5-7 days to fully harden. Do not use before then.

4. Wood first: To serve boards, seal wood with a thin coating of epoxy to keep the liquids out of the wood.

5. In the case of a topcoat: To give it additional durability, others apply FDA-approved polyurethane or cutting board oils as an outer-coat.

6. Instruct customers: When selling, should always give instructions (no dishwashers, no cutting, no extreme heat). Openness creates credibility and diminishes responsibility.

UK & EU Considerations

The FDA principles are reflected in the UK/EU: food-contact materials should not impart harmful substances therein in such amounts that can cause health hazards. There are also EU manufacturers of epoxy that are certified in EU Regulation 10/2011. When your market is the European market, both FDA and EU food-contact compliance need to be checked.

FAQs

Q: Does that mean that I can drink out of an epoxy-coated tumbler?

Yes, when the epoxy is completely cured and applied on the outside. The interior (the part that is in contact with liquids) is to be stainless steel or glass.

Q: Is epoxy dishwasher safe?

No. The resin can be spoilt by heat and harsh detergents. Always wash hands with light soap.

Q: What would be the case with epoxy that has not cured completely?

The uncured resin may be greasy, emit chemicals and cannot be used in contact with food. In case this occurs, sand and recoat adequately.

Conclusion

Epoxy resin could be incidentally food safe when properly cured and utilised. Yet, until it is tested and proved to be FDA compliant, it cannot be used to assure of having constant, direct food contact such as plates or utensils.

In the case of tumblers, trays, countertops, and serving boards, epoxy is a beautiful and durable finish that customers are fond of. It is simply a matter of knowing its boundaries, doing the best practices and you will produce beautiful works with no injuries.

Use epoxy wisely, respect its limits, and your creations will be both dazzling and safe for everyday enjoyment.