Foodstuffs or Potable Water

Epoxy resins are renowned for their superior strength, durability, and versatility, being used in varied applications in many industries; however, in the domain of food contact surfaces, the safety of food grade epoxy is paramount. Food safe epoxies are a specific subset of epoxies that have demonstrated compliance with stringent safety criteria for use in food or drink contact surfaces. 

Features of Food Safe Epoxy?  

FDA Compliant: 

A fundamental requirement of food safe epoxy is its compliance with the regulations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Specifically that it is compliant with 21 CFR 175.300, which describes the requirements for coatings for food contact use. This sets up systemic conditions to protect the public health to not expose food to harmful substances leaching from the epoxy coating. 

Low Toxicity: 

In addition, food safe epoxy is specifically engineered using non-toxic raw materials and chemicals to eliminate small amounts of material from migrating from the epoxy coating to food or drink. 

• Superior Durability: Food safe epoxy is designed to endure the demands of daily food-related use, demonstrating superior resistance to:
• Staining: Objects made with food safe epoxy resist stains caused by many foods and beverages, allowing for both aesthetic and sanitary conditions of the surface.
• Heat: Many food safe epoxy formulations are durable for temperatures of up to 120°C or even above that, and are appropriate for food contact with hot serving presentations, such as hot plates and trays.
• Moisture and Water: They resist the elements responsible for water damage; therefore they can be safely used in humid conditions, while making clean up and sanitation easy.

Non-Leaching: 

Once fully cured, food safe epoxy is inert. This important feature assures that at no point do they leach or emit harmful chemicals or any flavors into the food or beverage they are associated with, thus respecting the food's inherent integrity and flavors.

Applications of Food Safe Epoxy

Food safe epoxy has wide ranging versatility and is a proper use in a number of industries and facets of food uses, such as the following.  

• Countertops and Bar Treats: In kitchens and bars, food safe epoxy provides durable, sanitary, easy to clean surfaces for use while also considering aesthetics.  
• Food and Beverage Containers: Food safe epoxies are used to coat the interior of food storage containers, tanks, and processing equipment to allow the food and beverage flow through food safe and safe food conditions. 
• Cutting Boards: Offering a durable, non-porous surface used to prepare food, which decreases the possibility of bacterial growth and provides the best sanitation for food products. 
• Food Storage Areas: Utilized to cover the walls, floors, and other surfaces, in food storage or processing operation, to facilitate a clean and sanitary environment and remain compliant with regulations to ensure food safety. 
• Brewing and Winemaking Equipment: Utilizing coatings on tanks, pipes, and other equipment to maintain product integrity, and prevention of contamination, thus improving the final product quality. 

Key Safety Considerations for Food Safe Epoxy

In order to use food safe epoxy safely and effectively these safety measures are crucial: 

1. Proper Mixing and Curing: 

It is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations about the proper mixing ratios, as well as the recommended curing time. Improper mixing or not curing the product completely can result in epoxies losing their function and/or being less safe for food contact. 

2. Cleaning and Maintenance: 

Routine cleaning and maintenance only with mild, food safe cleaning products is the best technique to assure the food safe epoxy continues to perform as designed. Harsh, abrasive cleaning products should be avoided as they can leave the surface now damaged, exposing the previous material under the food safe epoxy.

3. Temperature Resistance: 

It is important to know the maximum temperature tolerance of the particular food safe epoxy utilized. If you surpass the maximum temperature limit for the epoxy surface, you could be compromising the coating and its overall performance and safety. 

Using food safe epoxy, when you select the highest rated epoxy and apply it correctly, you can generate long-lasting, sanitary and secure surfaces for all applications intended for food contact, ensuring that consumers remain safe and the quality of the product remains high.

For superior food safe epoxy products, consider the high-end materials manufactured at MB Enterprises, one of the top epoxy resin manufacturers in India. To discuss your desired requirements, contact us today!