No Material is FDA Approved as Food Safe

Currently, we do not have any data confirming that any 3D printing material is FDA food-safe. In fact, no 3D printing material on the market holds FDA food-safe certification. This is because food safety certification applies not only to the raw material but to the final printed object itself. Factors such as the object's shape, the type of build plate used, the printing environment, and the entire manufacturing process all affect whether the object can be deemed food-safe. At present, the FDA does not offer a specific certification tailored for 3D-printing materials.

Even if the filament material itself is considered food-safe, the 3D printing process usually compromises that safety. The layered nature of fused filament fabrication creates microscopic gaps and crevices between layers, which can easily harbor bacteria and contaminants. These tiny spaces make thorough cleaning extremely difficult, so while the object might be safe for a single use, reliably sanitizing it for repeated food contact is challenging. Additionally, the use of brass nozzles in printing can introduce another safety concern. Brass contains lead, and during the printing process, small amounts of lead may be transferred onto the surface of the print. This contamination makes the printed part potentially unsafe for food use as well. Because of these factors—including material, process, and equipment—it is important to approach 3D-printed objects with caution when considering them for any food-related application, often necessitating additional post-processing, sealing, or certification to ensure safety.