Is 3D Printing Food Safe? What You Should Know

Many people ask whether 3D printing is safe for making objects that come into contact with food. This is a common question, especially when thinking about printing items like cups, plates, cookie cutters, or utensils. The short answer is we do not recommend using 3D printed parts for direct contact with food or drinks.

Although some materials are marketed as "food-safe," there are serious limitations that make 3D printed objects unsuitable for eating or drinking. Below, we explain the key reasons behind this and address common misconceptions about so-called food-safe filaments and resins.

Why 3D Printed Parts Are Not Food Safe by Design

One of the biggest issues with 3D printed parts, especially those made using FDM (fused deposition modeling), is that the printing process creates visible layer lines and microscopic gaps. These small crevices are ideal places for bacteria to grow. Even if the object looks smooth, tiny imperfections remain in the material and are nearly impossible to clean thoroughly.

SLS (selective laser sintering) parts have a different but equally problematic issue. SLS prints, typically made from nylon powders, have a porous surface. This porosity makes them absorb liquids and trap food particles, creating a perfect environment for bacteria to accumulate. Even advanced post-processing often does not fully seal these surfaces.

In both cases, whether using FDM or SLS, the internal and external surfaces of a 3D print are not truly sealed, and no amount of light sanding or polishing will fix this problem entirely.

The Truth About "Food Safe" Filaments and Resins

Some materials used in 3D printing are labeled as "food-safe" or "food-grade." However, these labels can be misleading when applied to real-world printing.

For example, PLA (polylactic acid) is often marketed as biodegradable and sometimes described as safe for food contact. But most commercial PLA filaments contain colorants, stabilizers, and other additives that are not food safe. Even if the base PLA material was food safe at some point, the final filament and resulting print usually are not. If you are curious about the environmental side of PLA, we have covered that in detail in our post ‘Is PLA biodegradable’.

PETG is another material that is sometimes associated with food safety. While PETG can be closer to food-safe in theory, filament manufacturers rarely certify the actual filament and extrusion process for food contact. Moreover, printing with PETG on a standard home or office printer introduces contamination risks. Any trace of previous materials, nozzle wear, or dust can make the final print unsafe. Some brands advertise specific types of food safe 3D filament, but even these require careful consideration, as manufacturing processes and additives often prevent the final print from being truly safe for food contact.

Nylon, ABS, and other materials share similar issues. Even if a material is safe in its raw form, the additives, colorants, and actual printing process make it unsuitable for food contact.

A Special Note About SLA Resins

Some people believe that resin prints, with their smoother appearance, could be better suited for food contact. This is a dangerous misconception. Standard SLA (stereolithography) resins are not food safe, even after complete curing.

Resins contain toxic chemicals that can leach into food and drinks, especially when the print comes into contact with hot or acidic substances. Even so-called biocompatible resins are typically designed for limited medical applications, not food contact. On top of this, resin prints are brittle and prone to micro-cracking, which means that over time, cracks can form and trap bacteria, making cleaning impossible. Although some manufacturers offer specialized products labeled as food safe SLA resin, these are rare, expensive, and typically intended for industrial use under strict conditions, not for everyday consumer projects.

For these reasons, we advise against using SLA or resin-printed objects for food or drink purposes.

Why Coatings Do Not Make Prints Truly Safe

Some people suggest applying an epoxy coating to seal a 3D print and make it food-safe. While this idea sounds good in theory, it is not a practical or reliable solution for real-life use.

First, epoxy coatings are very difficult to apply evenly over complex geometries. Any tiny gap in the coating will expose the underlying porous material, allowing bacteria to enter and making the entire effort pointless.

Second, coatings wear down over time, especially when subjected to washing, hot water, and repeated use. As coatings crack or peel, the original problem returns.

Even epoxy resins labeled as "food-safe" are only food-safe under very specific and limited conditions, often not practical for home use. For anyone thinking of making reusable cups, plates, or utensils with a 3D printer, we believe that relying on epoxy or similar coatings is not a sustainable or safe option.

So, Should You Use 3D Prints for Food?

Based on all these factors, we do not recommend using 3D printed parts for eating or drinking. Although the idea of custom-printed kitchen tools, mugs, or cookie cutters is appealing, the health risks are not excluded. Even when using so-called food safe 3D filament or food safe SLA resin, the printed parts still face issues like bacteria trapped in layer lines, surface porosity, and long-term durability concerns.

If a 3D print is used to shape food indirectly — for example, as a mold that does not directly touch ready-to-eat food — there may be limited use cases. However, for direct contact with food or drinks, in our opinion, 3D printed items are not a safe choice.

Work With a Professional 3D Printing Partner

While we advise against using 3D prints for food contact, we are always available to help with custom 3D printing projects that focus on safe, practical applications. Whether you need prototypes or end-use parts, we offer professional 3D printing in Massachusetts and across the US.

If you are looking for guidance on what materials are right for your project, or need help with a custom design, reach out to us today — we are happy to assist and ensure your parts meet the right standards for safety and quality.