Silicone caulk comes in a wide variety of forms with different use cases for each different type of product. From heat-resistant high-temperature silicone sealants designed to seal gaps and cracks in gaskets, pipes, and furnaces to those built to withstand extreme weather conditions, there is a wide range of products to choose from.

However, special care is necessary when choosing the right sealants for areas with food involved, like kitchens and restaurants. Food-safe silicone can help create an effective and long-lasting seal in food preparation areas while still being safe for those working in commercial kitchens and home kitchen renovations.

What is Food Grade Silicone?

Food grade describes materials rated as safe for contact with food items, typically by a government agency like the FDA. Food-grade silicone is a common material used in food processing and home preparation, and many home kitchen utensils are often made from silicone rubber.

Silicone is a popular choice for commercial and home use related to food products due to its resistance to high temperatures and flexibility. It's also used as a lubricant in food processing plants, protecting food from unclean conditions while working in a factory.

Many sealants for repair jobs are also food-grade. Due to its safety rating for contact with food products, food-safe silicone caulk is an excellent option for kitchen repairs like vents and walls. Products like our Food Grade 100% RTV Silicone Sealant are effective and safe for kitchen repairs.

Why Does Silicone Sealant Need to Be Food-Grade?

While silicone compounds are a popular sealing material for a wide range of applications, the natural toxicity of silicone sealants can be hazardous when used for certain repairs. Any repair jobs that take place around food need to be vetted carefully, because of the potential for contamination with food products that could come from contact with silicone materials.

Food-grade silicone products need to be able to withstand high temperatures when repairing furnaces and vents. Caulks used in kitchen repairs must also conform to safety and health concerns.

Food-safe silicone helps provide a long-lasting seal while keeping the safety of the kitchen and restaurant in mind. Using a food-grade version is significantly safer for areas where they may come into contact with food. Food-safe silicone polymer can also be a component in cooking equipment, and silicone rubber is a popular choice for kitchen consumer products.

Benefits of Food-Grade Silicone

Food-grade silicone sealants have various benefits for use in their particular use case. These sealants are durable and long-lasting. They often outlast other types of adhesives while maintaining the flexibility that makes silicone a popular choice for doors and windows.

Caulk like our Premium 100% RTV Silicone Sealant can withstand extreme temperatures and is used in heating and cooling systems. As the name implies, food-safe silicone is also non-toxic and safe for contact with food once cured.

Food-grade silicone also boasts the benefits of lesser impact while curing. Food-safe silicone is often “neutral cure,” meaning it will not throw off fumes while curing and typically cures within 24 to 48 hours. Many sealants are also mold and mildew-resistant, making them a popular choice for high-moisture areas in the home and commercial restaurants.

Applications for Food Grade Silicone

As mentioned before, food-grade silicone sealant is a popular choice for home repairs for many homeowners looking to fix up their kitchen areas. Liquid silicones offer durability and flexibility, making them popular for movable areas like doors and windows.

Food-grade sealants can be a safe choice for repair around areas where food is prepared, like stoves and countertops, being able to withstand high temperatures and resist mold and mildew. Food-grade silicone also has several medical applications, with the caulk able to resist ultraviolet radiation and airborne chemicals better than other forms of sealant.

Food-grade silicone boasts commercial applications, making it a popular choice for industrial purposes. Food-grade silicone is often used to process food products in factories, typically acting as a lubricant on production lines for food products. Restaurant kitchens use these sealants similarly to home kitchens. It's an effective sealant for high-temperature situations that is safe for contact with food.

How to Choose the Right Sealant for the Job

Silicone sealants come in many different forms with many different use cases. Alongside the variety of food-grade caulks for kitchens and restaurants, these products can also serve many other purposes. Sealants like the Hi-Temp Red & Blue 100% RTV Silicone Sealant are popular for sealing gaskets and vents in HVAC systems, furnaces, and automotive uses with engines and other high-temp areas.

Other sealants have unique applications for bonding different types of masonry, like stone, brick, and limestone, with unique compounds that make them less damaging. Mold and mildew-resistant options are effective for bathroom fixes and sealing tiles within bathrooms and kitchens.

Choosing the right sealant means analyzing the repairs you need to make and determining which type of sealant is best suited for it. Outdoor seals will need sealants that are rated for protection against extreme weather conditions, while indoor products may need to be non-toxic and odorless for the safety of you and your family.

Silicone Depot — Your Trusted Supplier

If you’re looking for the highest-quality sealants, liquid silicone, or accessories to aid in your residential or commercial repairs, Silicone Depot is a supplier you can trust. We carry a wide range of products from Kitchen & Bath Mildew-Resistant RTV Silicone Sealant that are perfect for your bathroom repairs to bulk products like pails of Concrete Elite Expansion Joint Sealant.

Silicone Depot also offers a wide array of sealing accessories like caulking guns and nozzles. Check out our full selection of sealants to learn more about how to make your next home repair!