Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

June, 2003

Paints for Food Factory

Q. We are operating a food factory in China. We would like to find a food grade paint the is FDA approved and can be cleaned with water jet (of course low pressure). Please advise where to find it.

A. Typically, epoxy and polyurethane paints do well in factories that come into contact with food. Although, to the best of my knowledge FDA does not approve specific paints, your main concern is with the ingredients that go into the pants. Provided that you purchase paints that do not contain toxic ingredients, you should be able to apply an epoxy primer followed by a polyurethane topcoat.

For the most part this coating system will stand up well to frequent low pressure washing with warm water and detergent. I suggest that you contact some of the major paint companies to insure that they agree with my recommendation. These coatings can usually be purchased from a wide variety of paint manufacturers.