In the food industry, the main priority is always health and sanitation. These two aspects come hand in hand and one should not be neglected; otherwise, many people will suffer. When it comes to sanitation, there are several reports of food-borne illnesses and food poisoning because of the failure to implement hygiene and sanitation in the workplace.
However, we can minimize these health risks by considering some guidelines in the food production process. We can start with the use of equipment and tools. First, the set of equipment should be accessible for inspection, sanitized and cleansed, and prevent the growth of dirt and bacteria.
In compliance with these rules on health and sanitation, it is also important for us to begin with a food safe sealant that works well with our kitchen tools and utensils, especially the wooden types.
If you prefer using products from the woodwork, these are the things you cannot miss to explore:
Choosing the Right Type of Food Grade Wood Sealer
In this guide, let me share with you not only the selection process for the right food grade sealant for your wooden projects, but I also included helpful tricks and tips. Perhaps, you have been worried that you might get the wrong product for a specific project, staying on this page will save you.
Why Food Grade Wood Sealants?
Woodworking jobs may not be the same all the time. Thus, you need to consider their differences based on purposes and other conditions. One of them is that the wood object may come in contact with food most of the time.
This is where the food-grade sealer shows up in the scene. It works by sealing the wooden surfaces to prevent the absorption of liquids coming from the food particles, but should not contaminate these foods.
Your first goal is to protect your piece. Imagine when the wood touches some food and it leaves a stain? How are you going to manage if you get sick just because you eat that food again and again?
So, you need to take action by choosing a very appealing and safe action which is to grab the right food-grade sealer that will work on your projects.
Store-Bought Sealants
You will find a variety of these store-bought sealants that are completely safe even with those cold food products. Generally, these finishes are already tested and have a good customer rating. You can make a research about them and check which store offers the best deals and a complete set of options for these food-grade wood sealers.
But, wait, there’s more! You can look for those hand-applied finishes. All you need is a neat cloth and let the mixture dry according to the instructions provided by the suppliers. Wait until it is cured.
Curing the Wood Sealer
Before I explain to you about this process, let us differentiate first a wood finish that dries to the touch from a finish that is already totally cured.
Let’s say, they both result in the dry finish when handled and do not seem to be in a wet state. But if we are going to examine it closely, the coating is still on the drying process because of the presence of chemicals on the surface.
As the finish gets fully cured, the solvents evaporate from the layer. This time, only the solids remain which are the ones rated as safe for food contact.
Making Food Safe Wood Sealant
Earlier, I have given you one option of getting a food safe sealant for your woodwork and that is through store-bought purchases. This time, let me share some insights about the DIY sealer product that is food grade. You can consider this option if you prefer having your sealant.
Before we proceed to the recipe, let us have some of the tips you should bear in mind.
In mixing grain alcohol and shellac flakes, you get a sealant that will work on your wood projects without compromising food safety. Shellac is a type of finish sprayed on foods to make them look shiny in the stores.
Aside from shellac, you can also use a beeswax coat as it is an edible and natural substance. However, you might encounter the difficulty in making that hard beeswax when laying them out flat on the wooden surface.
Luckily, we can use a thinner to make it work well. One example is the mineral oil. Although it is considered as a form of petroleum distillate, this is also edible. It can be found on drugstores to cure some minor medical conditions. This is effective in thinning beeswax for easy application.
If you are going to make research on how to use this accordingly, you might get confused as there are various directions online. To be safe, we can just follow the basic instruction and that is by warming up your mineral oil. Gradually, add beeswax and wait until its appearance becomes amber in color. Let it cool down. It should look like a paste and you can apply it using a rag.
The Food Safe Wood Sealant Recipe
This natural wood finish recipe is so easy to follow. You only need mineral oil and beeswax, both edible and non-toxic substances, to come up with an incredible solution for your cutting boards, wooden kitchen utensils, and even toys.
To get started, prepare 5 parts of mineral oil by volume and 1 part of beeswax by volume as well.
Procedure:
- Prepare the double boiler and pour in the wax and the mineral oil and set in medium-high heat. When it comes to heating, make sure you focus your attention very well as it can be dangerous because these substances are flammable.
- Continue stirring until the oil and the beeswax are dissolved and become a liquid. By then, the heat level should in 160 degrees Fahrenheit or 70 degrees Celsius. Let this mixture cool down.
- When applying this sealant, you just have to get a small amount and wipe it onto your sanded wooden object. Wait for a couple of minutes until the mixture gets dry. Then, it is the time you can wipe off anything excess on the surface. In the first place, you will find the wood quite greasy, but the unnecessary particles will be gone over time.
- When necessary, you can re-apply the sealer.
Final Conclusion
Manage your family’s health and safety by using the right kind of food safe sealers for your wooden kitchen tools and sets of equipment. The temperature, ingredients, and chemicals are crucial factors that you should not miss when looking for a food-grade wood coating or sealant for your project.
Were you able to understand how important it is to use a food safe sealant for your wooden projects that can contact your foods? If so, we would be happy to know about your thoughts by commenting on the box provided below.
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