What are the food stainless steel and steels for cooking knife?
"Is carbon steel food? "Can I sell a cookie to XC75? "What are the risks of using an office knife in XC100? "
The issue of feeding knives and other cooking utensils is very often asked. That's why we decided to take advantage of this new blog section to answer the question.
First, there is the issue of visual aspect: some will appreciate a carbon steel blade that is patient in contact with food, others not at all. It's the same for the traditional question of "taste" left on food when they are cut with a carbon blade.
Beyond the aesthetic and taste considerations that are the subject of passionate discussion, the answer is fairly clear from a legislative point of view.
What does the law say?
There is indeed A European standard (EN 8442-1) which addresses the subject of "materials and objects in contact with food" and more particularly "cutlery and tabletop".
This standard standard, among others, the minimum carbon and chrome content that a metal used for the blade must contain. For example, for a X20cr13, The blade must contain at least 12% chromium and 0.16% carbon For the knife to be considered as compliant with the standard.
By definition, this standard Excludes any use of carbon steel for the manufacture of knives entering food preparation.
France: a situation apart.
The decree of 13 January 1976 makes France a particular case within Europe. Since that date, to sell an object to be in contact with food, it must be made in stainless steel with 13% minimum chrome. It comes instead of the European standard. So if we take the same example, the X20CR13 must contain in France 13% and not 12% to be used.
In order to help you whether a product is compliant with these rules, we display in each of our article sheets the composition of the shade by specifying if the product is a food stainless steel or not.
Do I have to throw my Opropel or carbon gyuto?
The law applies only to table cutlery, category in which folding knives do not return. So do not panic, you can continue to enjoy your snack quietly! As for the cooking knife, from a point of view of the law, it is not marketable in France. From a health point of view, we never heard of our knowledge of a disease caused by a steel knife C130!
