Is Air Dry Clay Food Safe?
What is Air Dry Clay?
Air dry clay, also known as modeling clay, is a type of modeling material that hardens naturally through evaporation. It typically consists of a mixture of water, clay minerals such as bentonite or kaolin, and a cellulose-based binder such as methylcellulose or cellulose gum.
The main ingredients in air dry clay are:
- Water – provides plasticity and flexibility when wet.
- Clay – gives structure and hardness when dry.
- Binder – holds the clay together as it dries.
Air dry clay does not require baking or firing to harden. It simply dries and hardens at room temperature over the course of 24-72 hours as the water evaporates. This makes it an accessible modeling material for artists, hobbyists, and kids.
There are several types of air dry clay, including:
- Pottery Clay – natural clay-based formula good for detailed modeling.
- Papier-mâché Clay – contains paper pulp and tends to be lightweight.
- Cellulose Clay – smooth, flexible, and strong when dry.
- Polymer Clay – combines plasticizers with PVA glue for increased flexibility and strength.
Air dry clays come in various colors and finishes. Despite their differences, all air dry clays share the same basic air-drying process and do not require firing.
Is Air Dry Clay Toxic?
Air dry clay is generally considered non-toxic and safe for most uses. However, there are some safety concerns to be aware of with the ingredients commonly found in air dry clays.
The main ingredients in most air dry clays are:
- Plaster of Paris (calcium sulfate) – not toxic
- Cellulose – also not toxic
- Polyvinyl acetate (PVA) – generally non-toxic but can irritate eyes and skin
The main toxicity concerns are with polymer clays that contain vinyl compounds like polyvinyl chloride (PVC). When these are heated, they can release toxic fumes. However, air dry clays do not require heat so this is not an issue.
Natural clay types like oil and water-based modeling clay are non-toxic. Polymer-based clays contain PVA which is considered safe unless someone has an allergy. Read the labels carefully if concerned about specific ingredients.
In general, air dry clays are considered safe for kids and adults. But it’s still smart to take precautions like washing hands after use and avoiding ingestion.
Using Air Dry Clay for Food
Air dry clay is popular for creating decorative items like cake toppers, candy molds, and decorative displays for foods. While pure air dry clay is generally considered non-toxic, there are some important factors to consider when using it for anything involving food.
To make air dry clay food-safe, it’s important to apply a non-toxic sealant or finish designed for items that will come into contact with food. Polyurethane, shellac, and food-grade epoxy resin are commonly used sealants that create a protective barrier and prevent leeching of chemicals. Be sure to check that any sealant is specifically intended for food use and avoids toxic ingredients.
In the United States, the FDA has guidelines on the use of clay in contact with food. Clay must meet lead limits, and the type of clay and any colorants or glazes used must be inert non-toxic materials approved for food contact. It’s best to use air dry clay from a reputable source that states their products comply with FDA regulations.
Tips for Using Air Dry Clay with Food
If you want to use air dry clay for food decorations or serving pieces, follow these tips to minimize any potential risks:
Choose a Non-Toxic Sealant
Be sure to seal air dry clay pieces that will contact food with a non-toxic sealant or glaze rated food-safe. Polyurethane, epoxy resin, and FDA-approved glazes are good options. This creates a protective barrier between the clay and food.
Proper Cleaning and Prep
Thoroughly wash and clean clay pieces before using with food. Avoid cross-contamination by using separate surfaces and tools for clay work vs food prep. Hands should be washed thoroughly after working with unfired clay.
Decorate Responsibly
When decorating food or drink containers with air dry clay, avoid inside rims and surfaces that directly contact food. Only apply clay decorations to the exterior of dishes or plates used for serving.
By taking proper precautions, air dry clay can be used to create food-safe decorations, provided it is sealed properly and surfaces contacting food are avoided during application.
Risks of Using Air Dry Clay with Food
Using air dry clay products in contact with food carries some risks that should be considered.
One potential risk is the leaching of chemicals from the clay into the food or drink. Air dry clays are made from various ingredients that may include chemicals and additives. There is a possibility that some of these could leach out of the clay, especially in the presence of acidic foods and drinks.
Another concern is the porosity of air dry clay. When liquid comes into contact with the clay, it can seep into the tiny pores and crevices. This makes it difficult to fully clean and sanitize the clay afterward. Trapped organic material could allow mold or bacteria to grow.
Finally, allergies and sensitivities should be considered. Air dry clays typically contain ingredients like latex, vinyl compounds, acrylic polymer, and silicates. Someone with an allergy to any of these materials could react if they ingest food or drink that has been in contact with the clay.
Alternatives to Air Dry Clay
Although air dry clay is accessible and fun to work with, there are safer alternatives if you plan to use modeling materials with food. Here are some edible alternatives that can be used to create decorative items like cake toppers or mini sculptures.
Food-Grade Modeling Clays
Specialty clays made for direct food contact avoid the risks of air dry clay. Food-safe clays are non-toxic and free of chemicals, made from ingredients like corn starch, wheat flour, or potato starch. Popular brands include Makins Clay and Creative Paperclay. These air dry naturally but don’t require baking.
Fondant
Fondant is a pliable icing made of sugar, corn syrup and gelatin that can be rolled and shaped like clay. It’s commonly used to decorate cakes and pastries. Plain white fondant is versatile, while colored fondant comes in many hues. Fondant hardens as it dries, making it ideal for cake toppers.
Gum Paste
Gum paste is a pliable candy modeling material made from powdered sugar, cornstarch and gum. It dries very firm and maintains intricate shapes and details well. Gum paste flowers and decorations are popular cake decorations. It can also be rolled thin for cake toppers.
Modeling Chocolate
Modeling chocolate is a chocolate paste made by melting chocolate and corn syrup. It can be shaped when warm into candy figurines, bowls, and decorative accents. When cool, it hardens while retaining a smooth, matte chocolate finish.
Tips for Parents
When allowing your children to use air dry clay in craft projects involving food, be sure to provide proper supervision. Children may be tempted to taste the clay or improperly store their clay creations alongside real food items. To avoid potential health hazards, instruct children to wash their hands after handling clay and ensure clay projects are kept separate from food prep and eating areas.
Set aside a designated workspace for your child’s clay projects. Cover the surface with newspaper, paper towels, or a disposable tablecloth for easy cleanup. Provide sealable containers to store unfinished pieces away from food contact surfaces. Check that clay doesn’t harbor bacteria or attract pests by sealing and storing projects promptly after use.
Even when using air dry clay marketed as non-toxic, it’s wise to supervise young children closely. Toddlers especially may try to taste clay creations. Avoid craft projects involving clay and real food with children under age 3. For older kids, provide age-appropriate instructions on safe handling and storage of clay.
Guidelines for Clay Artists
For clay artists looking to sell food-related objects made from air dry clay, there are some important best practices to follow.
Always clearly label your items as decorative only and not food-safe. Include a disclaimer that the clay item should not come in direct contact with food. You may want to attach a tag or label that specifies the clay is not for food use.
Take steps to properly seal your clay art to help minimize leaching of chemicals. Use a non-toxic sealer like polyurethane that creates a protective barrier. Allow adequate drying time after applying the sealant.
Carefully wrap or box delicate clay items to prevent breakage during shipping. Use clean, unused packaging materials and avoid recycled materials that could potentially contaminate the clay. Include care instructions on proper use and cleaning.
By following labeling, sealing, and packaging best practices, clay artists can help ensure their decorative air dry clay items stay out of the kitchen and won’t be misused with food.
The Bottom Line
When weighing the risks and benefits, air dry clay should generally be avoided for direct contact with food. While the risk of toxicity is low, especially with polymer-based air dry clays, there is still a potential hazard if ingested. Traces of chemicals and materials in the clay could leach into food. For short-term craft projects, the risk is minor, but longer-term use with food should be avoided.
For food-safe projects, natural clay alternatives like Model Magic or oven-bake polymer clay are better options. These are non-toxic and specifically designed for use with food. Air dry clay is best reserved for non-food items. With supervision, it can still be used safely for short-term crafts and projects for display.
While air dry clay brings creativity and enjoyment for kids and adults, food safety should still come first. Safer clay alternatives exist for direct food contact and ingestion risks. By being informed and taking precautions, air dry clay can be used responsibly if food contact is not the main purpose.
References
[1] Sculpey. “Is Sculpey Oven Bake Clay Food Safe?” https://www.sculpey.com/faqs/is-sculpey-oven-bake-clay-food-safe
[2] Aardenburg, Angela. “Is Air Dry Clay Safe? Can Air Dry Clay Be Used with Food?” The Blue Bottle Tree. https://thebluebottletree.com/is-air-dry-clay-safe/
[3] Fimo. “Is Fimo Food Safe?” https://www.fimo.com/faq/is-fimo-food-safe
[4] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Lead in Food, Foodwares, and Dietary Supplements.” https://www.fda.gov/food/metals-and-your-food/lead-food-foodwares-and-dietary-supplements
[5] Health Canada. “Lead and Cadmium in Children’s Jewellery.” https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/chemical-safety/fact-sheets/lead-cadmium-children-jewellery.html