When working with materials that may come into contact with food, it is important to ensure that they are safe and fit for human consumption. There are many types of sealant products and formulations that allow workers to create flexible and durable seals, but not all of them are suitable for food. Knowing the regulations behind food safe sealants is vital if you work with food and beverage packaging or surfaces.
To be certified as food safe, the sealant must meet a number of requirements. All sealants must be approved for use in a food processing environment as determined by the FDA or similar governing body. The materials of which the sealant is composed must be safe for use in direct contact with food, including edible oils or other liquids used in production processes. The ingredients used must also conform to the strict regulations set by various health agencies and environmental standards organizations. Any solvents used in their formulation must also be approved as suitable for this type of application before they can be considered food grade sealants.
Types of sealants
When looking for a sealant that is food safe, there are a few different types that you can consider. Some of the more popular options are silicone, food-grade waxes, and food-safe epoxies. Each type of sealant has its unique advantages and disadvantages, so let’s take a closer look at the different types of sealants available on the market.
silicone
Silicone is a synthetic material often used in food safe applications due to its resistance to heat, steam, cold and oxidation. It can be found in a variety of colors and formulations, including adhesives, sealants, and greases. Silicone offers good flexibility that allows for a better fit when used for seals formed against curved or irregular surfaces. When properly applied, it offers excellent water protection, insulation and oil impermeability; however, it does not adhere well to some common substrates such as porous concrete. Due to their low levels of toxicity, silicone products are safe for use in the food industry, offering considerable advantages such as resistance to microbial growth (ideal for chemical processing sites) and good temperature stability of up to +302°F (+150°C). . Popular uses within food industry environments include sealing spaces between surfaces deliberately designed with large gaps or narrow channels (such as when reconfiguring shelves or creating additional ventilation panels). Silicone sealants also provide good protection against chemicals that could prematurely embrittle or discolor other systems, making them ideal for a variety of environments, such as refineries and kitchens, where contact with liquids cannot be avoided tough
acrylic
Acrylic sealants are a type of water-based sealant designed for use on materials such as wood, plastic, glass and metal. They form a durable and flexible protective barrier and are usually transparent and dry, giving them a wide variety of applications around the home. Acrylic sealants are food safe when cured and provide an effective barrier against moisture, dust, chemicals and other contaminants.
Acrylic sealants form an airtight bond that can protect the sealed surface from heat and cold temperatures, making them suitable for anything from sealing kitchen floors to bathtubs. Many acrylic formulas are also paintable, so they can be matched with virtually any color scheme or wall covering you have in your home.
When choosing an acrylic sealant for use in food preparation areas or serving ware, it’s best to look for products that are certified food safe. Most DIY stores stock a variety of food-safe acrylic sealants in tubes or cans designed specifically for use on kitchen surfaces or kitchen equipment such as plastic containers. Be sure to read the label carefully before you start using it, as not all types may be suitable for your particular project.
polyurethane
Polyurethane is a type of sealant that is commonly used for both commercial and residential applications and is typically odorless, colorless, and food safe. It has excellent water resistance properties and can remain flexible even when applied in thin layers. Polyurethane also provides superior clarity to other types of sealants, making it an ideal choice for woodworking projects where an invisible sealant is preferred. When applied, polyurethane forms a protective layer over the surface it has been applied to that prevents the wood from being exposed to moisture, preventing damage from mold, mildew and insects. Polyurethane also enhances the wood’s natural beauty by providing a glossy finish that helps highlight its underlying grain pattern while maintaining its natural color.
Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA)
Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA) is a fast drying, odorless, highly versatile and non-toxic adhesive. It is commonly known as white glue or carpenter’s glue and is suitable for use in food contact applications. PVA sealants form a very thin and flexible coating on corks, wood or concrete surfaces, preventing them from drying out or becoming brittle. They can also be used to seal air bubbles and small cracks on food contact surfaces.
It has excellent adhesion and flexibility properties, making it the perfect choice for sealing porous surfaces such as concrete or cork and any other material that requires a thin layer of adhesive to provide protection against absorption of moisture PVA sealants are relatively simple to apply with a brush or spray gun and provide an effective barrier against water damage. Plus, they’re food grade compatible, giving you peace of mind that your food contact surface will remain safely sealed away from any unwanted contaminants.
Food safe sealants
Finding a food safe sealant is essential to ensure a hygienic and safe environment when handling food products. There are many types of sealants available on the market, but not all are food grade. To help you find the best sealant for your application, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of different food-safe sealants.
silicone
Silicone is a popular sealant choice for food safe applications. It is non-toxic, easy to apply and has a long shelf life. It also offers unmatched flexibility and can be used in extreme temperatures, making it the ideal choice for many different projects, from sealing countertops and creating watertight seals to repairing raw material containers. Silicone is usually flexible and odorless, so it will not interfere with the odors or flavors of food materials. In addition, silicone does not degrade during normal use or over time.
When looking for a silicone product, look for an FDA-approved sealant that you can trust in your kitchen. Although most brands will state on their labels whether their product is food safe, you should always check with the manufacturer if you are unsure or have additional questions. When applying the sealant, be sure to first clean the surfaces according to the product instructions prior to application to ensure optimal adhesion and drying times, as well as a safe final product that does not come into contact with food anymore come in. .
acrylic
Acrylic sealants are popular food safe choices for sealant applications. They are often used as an adhesive or putty in many types of food processing, including packaging and preparation. Acrylic sealants typically have a chemical curing process that forms a durable, flexible, long-lasting bond on various surfaces. It is a reliable choice for all low shrinkage needs when temperatures are between 40 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit (4 to 38 degrees Celsius). Many acrylic sealant products have been certified non-toxic by international standards, making them safe for use in areas where there is direct food contact. Additionally, acrylic sealants are created to be cleanable with non-woven cloths specifically designed to work with these substances without producing hazardous waste or toxic chemicals.
polyurethane
Polyurethane is a type of plastic sealant commonly used to seal porous surfaces such as wood or concrete that must come into contact with food. It can be used outdoors or indoors and is available in water-based and solvent-based varieties. In general, polyurethane sealants have excellent adhesion, can withstand temperature changes, have superior moisture resistance and are very durable.
Most water-based polyurethanes have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for indirect food contact, making them ideal for sealing countertops, kitchen tables, cutting boards, and other kitchen surfaces where food is prepared. foods The FDA has also recognized that solvent-based polyurethanes are safe for use when properly cured, but these types of sealants may not create food-safe surfaces if not properly cured.
Before using a polyurethane sealant to create a food-safe surface, such as countertops or cutting boards, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and follow all safety precautions. Be sure to choose a food-approved version of the product (check the label), apply as directed, and allow to cure completely before use. Also note that some types of solvent-based polyurethanes may not be considered safe for use with foods past their curing time; consult your supplier before using in any food surface application.
Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA)
Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA) is a water-based food safe sealant widely used in food packaging and container construction. It is one of the most versatile sealants available on the market and provides a strong bond with minimal disruption to existing structures. PVA is also used to coat baking sheets, create molds and cookie cutters, and waterproof fabrics. Unlike many other types of sealants, it does not contain any heavy metal components. This makes it an excellent choice for sealing any food contact item such as jars, cans, pans, plates and utensils. In addition, PVA sealant does not require any special tools or protective clothing for application; just use a knife or scissors to apply it directly to the surfaces or items being sealed.