Can Polymer Clay Be Made Food Safe?

What is Polymer Clay?

Polymer clay is a type of modeling and sculpting clay that is made of PVC and a variety of additives. Unlike traditional clays that harden through drying, polymer clay cures and hardens when baked in an oven. The most popular brands of polymer clay include Sculpey, Fimo, Kato Polyclay, and Cernit.

There are several types of polymer clay, including translucent, pearlized, metallic, glow in the dark, and more. Each formulation uses different additives to achieve unique properties. Typical ingredients in polymer clay include:

• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
• Plasticizers
• Fillers
• Pigments
• Preservatives

By mixing together PVC resin with various additives, manufacturers are able to create pliable clay that can be molded and shaped before being cured into a hard plastic through baking.

Polymer Clay Safety Concerns

Polymer clay contains ingredients that raise concerns when considering food safety applications. The main issues are:

Plasticizers – Polymer clay contains plasticizers which keep it malleable. These plasticizers can leach out of the clay, especially when heated. If they get into food, they can be harmful to ingest.

Porous Surface – Baked polymer clay has a porous surface which can easily absorb bacteria if proper cleaning procedures are not followed. Any bacteria trapped in the clay pores could contaminate food.

VOC Emissions – When polymer clay is heated, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released which can be inhaled. The long term health effects of inhaling polymer clay VOCs are uncertain.

FDA Regulations on Polymer Clay

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve polymer clay as being food safe. This is because most polymer clays contain phthalates, which are plasticizers banned from products intended for children. The FDA has jurisdiction over food items, drugs, medical devices and other health-related products. However, art materials like polymer clay do not fall under FDA oversight. Manufacturers of art supplies do not need FDA approval or testing to bring their products to market. Therefore, polymer clays have not gone through any federal regulatory testing or safety standards in the United States.

Making Polymer Clay Food Safe

While polymer clay contains compounds that can pose health risks if ingested, there are steps you can take to make it food safe for decorating cakes, cookies, and other edible items:

Bake the Clay Fully

One of the most important steps is to fully cure the polymer clay by baking it at the manufacturer’s recommended temperature and time. This will harden the clay and bond the polymers so they do not leach out. Under-baked clay can release toxic chemicals.

Apply a Liquid Clay Coating

After baking the polymer clay, apply a coating of a liquid clay like Sculpey’s Liquid Clay. This seals the clay and creates a smooth, non-porous surface that blocks contact with any remaining uncured compounds.

Avoid Porous Textures

Sculpt clay with smooth, non-porous surfaces. Rough, porous clay can absorb moisture and harbor bacteria. Liquid clay helps seal rough areas.

By taking these precautions, you can use polymer clay to create food-safe decorations and minimize any risks from exposure to uncured compounds.

Recommended Practices

When working with polymer clay for food use, experts recommend taking the following precautions:

Choose polymer clay brands that are phthalate-free. Many brands specifically advertise being phthalate-free or non-toxic. Phthalates are commonly added to polymer clay to make it flexible, but some types have been linked to health issues. Avoiding phthalates reduces potential risks.

Always bake polymer clay thoroughly according to package instructions. Underbaking can lead to uncured clay which could leach chemicals. Testing for leaching involves boiling a fully cured piece in water to see if it releases anything into the water. If leaching is detected, bake for longer.

Seal completed polymer clay pieces with a water-based polyurethane resin or polymer varnish. Multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat. The sealant helps prevent leaching of chemicals into food or drink.

Handwash polymer clay food ware gently with mild soap and water. Avoid putting it in the microwave or dishwasher, which can degrade the clay over time.

Using Polymer Clay for Food Decor

Polymer clay can be safely used to decorate food surfaces like plates, cups, and serving trays. When decorating food surfaces, it’s best to limit direct contact between the polymer clay and food.

Polymer clay should not be used inside cooking utensils like pots and pans. It’s also not recommended for decorating surfaces that will come in direct contact with food for prolonged periods, like dining plates or bowls.

The safest uses for polymer clay are decorating serving platters, the backs of plates, the outer surfaces of cups and mugs, and similar applications where the clay won’t be touching food directly or for extended periods.

When baking polymer clay, it’s important not to overheat it. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper baking times and temperatures. Prolonged exposure to high heat can potentially release toxins from the clay.

With reasonable precautions, polymer clay can add beautiful and creative decorative touches to food surfaces. Just be mindful of limiting direct contact with food and avoiding overheating during baking.

Safety Tips for Polymer Clay

When working with polymer clay, it’s important to keep in mind some basic safety precautions:

Work in a well-ventilated area – Polymer clay can release fumes as it cures, so make sure you work in an area with good airflow. Open a window or use a fan to improve ventilation.

Avoid contact with unfinished clay – Don’t handle polymer clay and then touch your eyes, mouth, or nose before washing your hands. Uncured polymer clay may contain chemicals that can irritate skin and mucous membranes.

Wash hands after use – Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after working with polymer clay. This will remove any residual clay and minimize the risk of irritation.

Following basic studio hygiene and handling precautions will help ensure polymer clay crafting remains an enjoyable, safe process.

Alternative Clays for Food Use

If you want to avoid the potential risks of polymer clay and ensure your clay creations are food-safe, there are a few good alternatives:

FDA-approved clays like Sculpey III – Brands like Sculpey III are specifically formulated to meet FDA regulations for food contact. Sculpey III doesn’t contain phthalates and is considered food-safe when properly cured.

Natural clays like beeswax – Beeswax and other natural clays are inherently food-safe options. As an all-natural material, beeswax poses no toxicity risks. It can be molded and shaped much like polymer clay.

Cold porcelain clay – This air-dry craft clay is made from cornstarch and glue. It’s non-toxic, biodegradable, and dries hard enough to be food-safe. Cold porcelain is popular for cake decorations and candy/chocolate molds.

Testing Polymer Clay for Safety

When working with polymer clay, it’s important to test it thoroughly before using it with food. Two simple ways to test polymer clay are leach testing and odor testing.

Leach testing involves submerging a sample of baked polymer clay in water or alcohol for at least 24 hours. The liquid is then analyzed to detect if any chemicals have leached out of the clay. A clean leach test means no detectable chemicals were released, indicating the clay is likely safe for food use.

Odor testing checks for any lingering smell after polymer clay is baked. Polymer clay that still smells strongly of chemicals or plastics after baking may not be fully cured and could potentially leach chemicals onto food surfaces. A properly baked and cured clay should have little to no odor.

While not definitive guarantees of safety, leach and odor tests provide simple at-home checks to screen polymer clays before dedicating them to food use. When in doubt, it’s best to use clays specifically formulated as food-safe.

Conclusion

In summary, polymer clay may be considered food safe with precautions. While the FDA has approved the individual components of polymer clay for food contact, the mixture itself has not been thoroughly evaluated for safety. Therefore, it is not recommended to place polymer clay directly on food or surfaces that touch food. However, polymer clay can be considered food safe if it has cured fully, been sealed completely, and will not come in direct contact with the food itself. The safest practice is to use polymer clay solely for decorative purposes and avoid any direct food contact. If you do choose to use polymer clay with food, it is wise to test for leaching beforehand. With proper handling, curing, and coating, polymer clay can be an excellent material for making decorative items for the kitchen and dining table.

In conclusion, while polymer clay is not certified as food safe, it can be used in close proximity to food if proper safety precautions are followed. Testing the cured clay and avoiding direct contact between the polymer clay and food are recommended. With care and common sense, polymer clay can be a fun, creative and safe medium for artfully decorating one’s kitchen and dining experience.