"Food-grade" paint

We get a regular stream of calls asking for food-grade paint for coating interior walls and equipment in food processing areas. The short answer to the question put to us is that there is no such thing. Additives such as colourants, preservatives and flavourants that are used in processed food and beverage production are sold as food-grade as they are consumed. Paint, on the other hand, will hopefully not be consumed. Dry paint films are, in the main, non-toxic and are safe when it comes to contact with food. Over the years many of the known toxic raw materials used in paint production have been banned and replaced with safe alternatives. Low VOC (volatile organic compounds - basically solvents) coatings are available to be used when called for, further reducing the chances of consumables being tainted during production. A range of FDA approved biocides has been offered to us for use in products destined for use in food or beverage processing plants - the use of products will contribute further to the safety of the coating supplied. Good planning of maintenance during plant shut-down periods will ensure that no contamination of consumables occurs during the application phase, and that a fully cured and thus food-contact safe coating protects and decorates the interior of your food or beverage processing plant.