Thread: Metal finishing for a food display case?

Hi all,

I built a frame for a pizza display case out of steel angles (these guys: https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p.1...000861164.html). I've sanded the metal with a sanding flap disc so it's nice and smooth, and am now looking to finish the metal so it's appropriate to use as a display case at a pizza restaurant storefront.

The pizzas themselves won't be touching the metal (the shelves will be plexiglass), but they may brush up against the metal by accident sometimes, etc.

I'm a welder who doesn't know much about finishing steel/metal -- if anyone can help me out or point me in the direction of products ideal for finishing steel, it would be immensely appreciated. Do I also need a primer? If so, any recommendations?

Thank you!

Welcome to the Forum.
Powder coating would be the finish I would go for.

+1 for powdercoat

You may get away with powder coat depending on the lead content some brands have more than others, your local food regulatory body would be able to advise you, in South Australia as a example
steel would not be passed it would need to be Aluminum or stainless steel

What China says is correct...painted surfaces and direct food contact are a no no. Must be stainless. I suggest it will be the same in the USA.

Hi Guys,

Yes ! Stainless steel ! Any paint of any kind is a big NO.

Here we go: 1.3 Food Grade Materials

I'm assuming regulations would be similar across Canada?

It should be noted that, while normal paints are out, there are some powdercoats that do have FDA approval. I suggest you seek advice from your local authorities on if any of them are approved for use where you are.

Originally Posted by staz

I built a frame for a pizza display case out of steel angles (these guys: https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p.1...000861164.html). I've sanded the metal with a sanding flap disc so it's nice and smooth, and am now looking to finish the metal so it's appropriate to use as a display case at a pizza restaurant storefront.

The pizzas themselves won't be touching the metal (the shelves will be plexiglass), but they may brush up against the metal by accident sometimes, etc.

I'm a welder who doesn't know much about finishing steel/metal

a not so silly question in the context -- why did you choose to use ordinary mild steel for a food service product?

From the Ontario reference Elan linked to

Non-Food Grade Materials:

• Galvanized steel (a pure zinc coating) -- the use of galvanizing on any food contact surface is no
• Painted steel (may contain lead, peeling probable)
• Brass (a copper/zinc alloy)
• Bronze (a copper/tin alloy)

Food Grade Materials

Food grade materials include, but are not restricted to, the following:

• Stainless steel (as determined by NSF/ANSI 51, requires a minimum 16% chromium which includes SAE series 200, 300 or 400 series - 300 series is most commonly used in the food industry)
• Plastic recognized as food grade (meets compositional and purity standards, as well as established conditions of use, determined by a compliance agency e.g. Health Canada)
• Aluminum (as determined by NSF/ANSI 51, only Alloy Series 1000, 3000, 4000, 5000 and 6000 may be used.)
• Glass (as determined by NSF/ANSI 51, if not subjected to impact by hard objects during use)

I think your best option is to remake the stand using the recommended food grade stainless steel and the appropriate rods (or wire)