Food-Safe Surfaces Resin (Cheese Boards, Tumblers, Kitchen Use)

Food-Safe Surfaces Resin (Cheese Boards, Tumblers, Kitchen Use):

Regulations and Best Practises, Reality.

Epoxy resin art has grown way beyond coaster and canvas art. More manufactures in the UK are producing beautiful cheese boards, serving trays, tumblers, and countertop finishes and the most frequent question is this:

It is a significant and misperceived subject matter. Although it is possible to apply resin to functional objects, it is necessary to know the science, regulations and the common safety precautions to ensure you are safe as well as your clients.

We shall take a look at the meaning of food safe resin, what to look at when buying a product and how to make your resin work safer to use in the kitchen.

What is the Actual Meaning of Food-Safe?

Food-safe in simple terms refers to the fact that there is no leakage of harmful substances in food or drink when the material is used normally.

In the case of epoxy resin, this is subject to:

• Formulation - the chemicals with which it is made.
• Curing procedure - is it completely hardened.
• Testing - has it been tested on its own to comply with food contact standards?

Not all high-quality epoxy resins, even those that are food-safe, are certified as food-safe by default, as it requires rigorous and costly tests (such as FDA 21 CFR 175.300 or EU 10/2011).

Nevertheless, an entirely cured, high-quality epoxy resin may be regarded as food contact safe when applied as it is not in any case to hot or acidic food.

The following are the standards that must be considered by makers to sell resin-coated or resin-cast kitchen products in the UK:

• In the UK / EU regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004 addressing materials that contact food is covered. It requires that any surface:
• Does not impart harmful elements to food.
• Has no effect on the taste of food, smell, or look.
• FDA (US) There are some resin types that comply with the FDA 21 CFR 175.300 standard of food contact surfaces, though this certification is only applicable to a particular formulation that has been tested and approved.

Key takeaway:It is important to always note that unless a resin company specifically says it is food-safe once fully cured and tested to the FDA/EU standards it should not be described as food-safe in direct food contact

The Fully Cured Resin: The Key Element.

The best epoxy resin would not be food-safe even when it is under-cured.

In the curing process, the resin and the hardener chemically unite to create a hard plastic. When the mix ratio, temperature or humidity is not correct, the leftover uncured resin may leach out compounds and this is not safe.

• Take measurements (digital scales)
• Blend well (clean the sides and bottom of your mixing cup)
• Treat in a warm and stable setup (preferably 20 to 25°C)
• Before use, allow at least 7 days to elapse after the cure.

The Epoxy Res-iT Premium Clear Resin is designed to cure reliably and extensively in the conditions of UK workshop.

Direct vs Indirect Food Contact: What is Allowed?

The distinction between things that touch food and things that hold or contain food is quite big.

When you are painting something to be used (such as chopping board or tumbler) you can apply a food grade sealant over the cured resin (such as a beeswax-mineral oil mixture or certified topcoat).

Food-Safe Topcoats & Sealants

In case your own resin is not food-certified, it is possible to apply an approved barrier covering on the surface. This brings in tranquilly and adherence to customer facing products.

• Food grade mineral oil + beeswax (natural, easily reworked)
• Shellac (safe in food contact when cured)
• FDA certified food safe polyurethane topcoat.

These sealants form a protective finish between food and the resin with a glossy and hard surface.

Most food-safe topcoats can be used on epoxy Res-iT resins, but it is always a good idea to test a small area on resin first to determine adhesion.

Heat and Alcohol Resistance: Get Familiar With the Limitations.

Even cured epoxy to the full extent has its limits. It can be softened or clouded by exposing it to extreme heat or alcohol.

• Do not put surfaces of resin in direct contact with hot pans or mugs with temperatures exceeding 50°C.
• Never cut on resin-coated boards - knives cut the surface and reveal layers of resin.
• Do not put high-content drinks or solvents on covered tumblers.

Resin is to be used in decorative and serving purposes and not to prepare or cook actual food.

Food-Safe Resin Best Practices.

Here are the tips on how to be safe and professional in creating functional resin pieces:

• Select a well known brand - preferably with information regarding the formulation and testing.
• Precision in ratios followed to the letter - it guarantees complete curing.
• Give complete curative rest - 7 days is the best time to be stable.
• Do not expose to direct - heat and lengthy contact with food.
• Coat it with a - food grade sealant.
• Train your customers - provide care directions such as:

• “Do not cut directly on resin. Wipe clean with a damp cloth. Do not keep in touch with acidic foods long."

These slight measures safeguard your brand image as well as your purchasers.

Misperceptions of the Food-Safe Resin.

Myth 1: Once they are dry, all clear resins are food safe.

• False - safety lies in complete cure, chemical composition and testing.

Myth 2: It is true that you can make any resin food safe by washing.

• Washing does not neutralize the uncured compounds - total curing and correct coating do.

Myth 3: FDA-approved resin implies that it can be used in any way.

• FDA approval is only granted to the formulation tested and under the conditions -not to all resins produced by that brand.

Open-Recommended Resin and Accessories.

We are Epoxy Res-iT, and we aid UK makers to create without uncertainty. Although our resins may be used in decorative and indirect food contact applications once completely cured, we suggest applying a certified topcoat to functional items in order to ensure additional protection.

• Epoxy Res-iT Premium Clear Resin - ideal to serve boards and coasters.
• Epoxy Res-iT Deep Pour Resin - works best on wooden boards using river decorative resin.
• Food-Grade Topcoat Oil Kit - coats top surfaces with resin.

Conclusion:

Epoxy resin may indeed be included in your food related endeavours - not recklessly or irresponsibly.

Although not all resins could be labelled as food-safe in their default form, a high-quality epoxy, fully cured, and combined with a food-safe sealant, would render your boards, trays and tumblers not only beautiful, but also safe to use.