Can Antimicrobial Additives in Epoxy Help Food Safety.

Epoxy Surfaces and Food Safety in a Post-COVID World

With increasing awareness around virus transmission, especially since the onset of COVID-19, there’s been a renewed focus on the safety of food preparation surfaces—particularly materials like stainless steel and plastics (including epoxy), which have been shown to harbor viruses for extended periods.

A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases (Oct. 3) by researchers at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine found that SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for COVID-19) survives on human skin significantly longer than the influenza A virus (IAV)—remaining viable for up to 9 hours, compared to just 2 hours for IAV.

Earlier in the pandemic, a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine revealed that SARS-CoV-2 could live:

• Up to 3 days on plastic and stainless steel

• 24 hours on cardboard

• 4 hours on copper surfaces

Epoxy Countertops: A Safer Surface with Antimicrobial Options

One major advantage of epoxy-based countertops is their ability to incorporate antimicrobial additives directly into the surface during installation. These additives can help reduce the lifespan of bacteria and other microbes on contact surfaces, contributing to safer, more hygienic food prep environments.

While more research is needed to determine the impact of these additives specifically on COVID-19 and similar viruses, this capability positions epoxy as a forward-looking solution for residential and commercial kitchens concerned with long-term health and safety.

At iCoat, we offer the option to include antimicrobial agents in our epoxy products and continue to explore innovations that enhance food safety and surface hygiene.

For more information about our antimicrobial epoxy options, contact iCoat directly.