What timber panels are food grade?

ac_bun

Hi,
I'm looking for some large food-grade wood boards.

I found some possible options, but I can't find a definite answer.
Could you please tell me if any of the following are food grade?

• Specrite 1800 x 600 x 18mm Timber Panel Beech FJ Laminated
  
• SpecRite 1200 x 600 x 18mm Finger Jointed Beech Panel
  
• Specrite 1800 x 600 x 18mm Golden Teak Acacia Multi Use Panel

If these are not, is there any alternative?
I'd need a board at lease 1200 x 600.

Thank you for your help.
Andrea

JacobZ

Hi @ac_bun,

The beech and acacia timbers used in these panels are commonly used to manufacture kitchenware and food preparation products because they are dense hardwoods with fine, tight grain. However, whether a finished product is considered suitable for food contact depends on more than just the timber itself.

The key thing to note is that the term food grade isn't entirely based around the properties of the timber. Rather, it's a rating that is applied to a finished product after it has been tested against recognised food contact standards. The assessment considers the entire product, including the timber, any adhesives used, and any coatings or finishes.

While these panels are not marketed or certified for direct food contact in their current state, that does not necessarily mean they are unsafe. It simply means the finished product has not been tested and certified for that purpose.

If you intend to use one of these panels as a food preparation surface, it should first be sanded to remove the factory finish and then treated with a food-safe finish such as https://www.bunnings.com.au/feast-watson-250ml-kitchen-timber-oil_p1520221 . While this doesn't make the panel a certified food-grade product, it is the approach commonly taken for timber surfaces intended for incidental food contact.

Please let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob