Is Epoxy Resin Food Safe? 

Is  resin food safe? This is a common question that many  resin users come to us with. After all, under the right conditions, resin is used for such things as  countertops, tumblers, trays, charcuterie boards, coasters, and more. It’s especially suitable due to its durable and scratch-resistant qualities as well as its high-gloss shine. There is no universal answer for that, unfortunately. The answer depends on several factors.  

Epoxy resin, like many other things that we work with, requires some precautions to be utilized safely and correctly. Things like nitrile gloves, clothing that covers your skin, and safety glasses are typical equipment used when working with epoxy resin. You should also work in an environment that has significant airflow and ventilation and may sometimes even need to wear a respirator. 

When it comes to food-safe epoxy resin, it varies based on individual products within a brand. Let’s dive into more detail to find out what it means for resin to be food-safe and how you can access the information that is crucial to letting you know. 

Food Safe Epoxy and FDA-Compliance 

If a product is listed as a food-safe resin, it is generally only if the product is properly measured based on its specified ratio, mixed, and cured. Therefore, it’s important to follow the specific product’s instructions exactly and to allow the project to undergo a full curing process. Full cure times can vary depending on the product. Consult the product’s company or related documentation to find out more. 

Additionally, even if a  resin is food safe, if it is combined with additives, pigments, or dyes that are not  food-safe, then the overall project is not food safe. It seems self-explanatory, but it’s always a good thing to be aware of. However, one way around this situation is to properly measure and mix up another clear coat of epoxy and coat the previous dyed layer.  

Which Epoxy Resins are Food Safe?

Examples and FDA Codes 

To give you an idea, we’re going to talk about a few brands and their specific situation surrounding FDA compliance. Typically, if an epoxy resin product is food-safe, it will have undergone some degree of extensive testing and be considered FDA compliant per certain FDA codes. For example, we’ve gotten questions from readers in the past on whether or not specific brands are food safe. Specifically, we’ve been asked if Envirotex Lite is food safe. Again, for this particular product, the answer is a little bit more complicated than a straight yes or no. 

FDA Coda 21CFR175.300 

Epoxy resins like Envirotex Lite by ETI, ProMarine Supplies Table Top Epoxy or Alumilite Amazing Clear Cast are FDA compliant under code 21CFR175.300. This states that “Resinous and polymeric coatings may be safely used as the food-contact surface of articles intended for use in producing, manufacturing, packing, processing, preparing, treating, packaging, transporting, or holding food, in accordance with the following prescribed conditions” and then proceeds to offer in-depth information on those conditions. 

 What this translates to roughly is that you should not use them to make objects that food is going to be cooked in or poured into. However, you can use them for a variety of projects such as serving trays, table tops, and bar counters. It’s important to remember that this is only if the product is measured, mixed, poured, and cured properly. Any missteps in the process of using a food-safe epoxy resin could result in it no longer being food safe. 

Do your Research on Resin Food Safety

If you’re curious about whether or not the epoxy resin that you’re looking to purchase is food safe, we encourage you to look into the safety information the company provides. There, you’ll learn under what circumstances their epoxy resin is safe to use. It’s always best to check the information and do your research prior to use! 

If you have any questions about whether or not the epoxy resin you’re looking into is considered food safe, reach out to the company for more information. If you have questions about any specific resin products on this blog, you’re always welcome to  contact us!