In kitchen design, every material tells a story and when wood comes into contact with food, its finish plays a key role in that narrative. If you're designing a knife handle, a serving tray, or a decorative fridge shelf, the surface must meet strict food-contact regulations while preserving the natural beauty and feel of the wood.
Not all finishes work the same way. For instance, cutting boards are typically treated with food-grade oils rather than coatings, due to their exposure to knives. In contrast, varnishes and clear coats are ideal for wooden parts not directly affected by mechanical stress, like handles, trays, or interior shelving.
In this article, we explore which clear coats are food-safe, when to use them, and how to choose the right solution for your product.
Understanding food-safe coatings
A food-safe varnish is a protective coating that is specifically formulated to prevent the release of any harmful substances when in contact with food. It forms a stable, non-toxic film that resists moisture, heat and cleaning agents, all of which are key factors in maintaining hygiene and material integrity.
In order to qualify as food-safe, a coating must undergo rigorous testing to prove its chemical stability and the absence of components such as heavy metals, solvents, or volatile organic compounds.
International regulations clearly define what makes a coating suitable for food contact. In Europe, for example, compliance with EN 1935:2004 certifies that the material will not transfer substances to food in quantities that could endanger health or alter taste and smell. In the United States, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) enforces similar standards through specific sections of the Code of Federal Regulations, particularly CFR 21 Part 175.300, which covers coatings used on food-contact surfaces.
Not all coatings behave in the same way once applied. Some products are considered food-safe once cured, meaning they contain elements that form an inert and safe surface after complete polymerisation. Others are naturally food-safe, such as mineral oils and beeswax, which are non-toxic by nature and ideal for items such as chopping boards and utensils. The right choice depends on balancing durability, aesthetic goals and intended use.
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Types of food-safe finishes for wooden kitchen components
When producing kitchenware, the choice between a clear coat and a penetrating oil depends on the intended use of the component.
- Clear coats, such as water-based polyurethane, shellac and epoxy, are ideal for non-cutting surfaces like knife handles, trays and shelving;
- In contrast, natural oils (e.g. linseed oil or mineral oil) are better suited to direct-cutting items such as chopping boards or salad servers, where the surface is exposed to sharp tools.
Water-based polyurethane
A durable, transparent and low-VOC coating, ideal for protecting wood surfaces that are frequently exposed to moisture and handling. Once fully cured, it becomes food-safe and resistant to wear. Minelli uses this finish on trays and decorative kitchen items requiring high protection and a refined appearance.
Shellac
This natural resin-based finish enhances the warmth and depth of wood grain. It is suitable for knife blocks, display trays or dry-contact components where aesthetic value and surface clarity are important. Its ease of reapplication makes it ideal for premium collections with a natural look.
Mineral oil and beeswax
These naturally food-safe finishes are the go-to solution for cutting boards, utensils and salad tools. Unlike surface coatings, they penetrate the wood without forming a rigid film, preserving texture and flexibility even after knife use. Minelli selects high-grade oils, including linseed and mineral oil, formulated for food contact.
Epoxy resin
When formulated specifically for food contact, epoxy coatings provide an extremely hard, waterproof surface. Minelli uses certified epoxy systems for serving boards and presentation products requiring resistance, gloss and precise shaping. The curing process is carefully controlled to guarantee full safety and stability.
What makes a clear coat food-safe?
In the production of kitchenware, a clear coat only becomes food-safe when it combines chemical stability, a certified composition and precise application.
A food-safe coating remains stable when exposed to heat, humidity and acidic substances. It must also resist migration, i.e. the transfer of particles or chemicals from the coating to the food, while maintaining its protective integrity over time. This requires the correct formulation and curing process, which is the phase in which the coating fully polymerises and becomes inert.
The most important things that make a food-safe clear coat are:
- Certified formulation: free from heavy metals, solvents, or harmful additives;
- Complete curing, which ensures the surface becomes chemically stable and non-reactive;
- Resistance to wear and cleaning agents prevents surface degradation after repeated use;
- Compliance with regulations: all Minelli coatings are tested according to EN 1935:2004 and FDA 21 CFR 175.300 standards.
Each of these parameters is verified internally before a product leaves the factory. This meticulous process enables Minelli to guarantee that all wood components are safe for direct food contact while offering durability, transparency and precise design.
The Minelli approach: certified safety, lasting design
At Minelli every finish is the result of research, precision and accountability. Our technical teams collaborate with certified partners and in-house laboratories to develop coatings that protect wood while preserving its natural beauty. From the initial design to the final polishing stage, each product is crafted to meet the strictest food-contact safety standards and aesthetic consistency.
Through this integrated process, we transform FSC-certified wood into components that embody reliability, authenticity and refined design, ready to become part of the most discerning kitchenware collections.
Find out how Minelli can support your next project at wood.minelligroup.com.
