Food safety: can 3D printed parts touch food

What has to apply

In the EU, everything that touches food is covered by the rules on food contact materials. The material has to be intended for that purpose, and nothing may be contaminated during manufacture. The fact that a plastic is harmless as a raw material is not enough.

With 3D printing there are three problems. First, the dyes and additives in the filament, which the manufacturer need not disclose. Second, the nozzle, often brass, which may contain traces of lead. Third, the surface: FDM printing is built from layers, and there are microscopic gaps between them.

Gaps and hygiene

Food residue collects in the gaps between layers and bacteria multiply. They cannot be washed out well by hand or in a dishwasher, especially with repeated use. A part that regularly touches raw meat, milk or damp food therefore does not belong off a 3D printer.

PLA also softens at around 55 to 60 °C (glass transition), so a hot dishwasher or hot water will harm it. PETG withstands more and resists water better, but the problem of the gaps remains.

Where it is fine

It is reasonable for prints that do not touch food, or touch it only briefly and when dry: a holder for kitchen tools, a stand for coffee capsules, a drawer organiser, a single-use cookie cutter. The shorter and drier the contact, the smaller the problem.

What we offer

We print in PLA and PETG, but we provide no certificate or declaration that a part is suitable for food contact. You are responsible for how you use it. If you need a properly food-grade material, you need a manufacturer with certified materials and documents, not 3D printing from ordinary filament. You can send questions to jakub.novak@boostello.com.

What to do when it has to touch food

If it has to touch food, stick to a few rules. Use the part only for short, dry contact and wash it with water and washing-up liquid after every use. Let it dry and do not put it in a dishwasher or hot water. With parts that have cracked or have a rough surface, be careful and rather replace them.

You cannot change any of this on an order with us: we print in PLA and PETG and have no food certification. The decision whether to use a part with food is yours, and you bear the responsibility for it.