No glue we read is sold as simply “food safe”. A few wood glues claim indirect food contact, and Titebond names cutting boards. The rule Gorilla cites, 21 CFR 175.105, is about adhesives in food packaging, not a glued mug.
What the regulation says
21 CFR 175.105 lets adhesives be used in articles for packaging, transporting or holding food, if the adhesive is separated from the food by a functional barrier, or limited to dry food or trace amounts at seams and edges. The container of such an adhesive must say “food-packaging adhesive”.
That’s why we don’t read a 175.105 claim as “safe on a plate”. FDA says the status of a food contact material depends on each substance in it, and that you can ask the maker for a letter of guaranty that a product is acceptable for your intended food-contact use.
What the labels claim
Food-contact claims, in each maker’s words
Product
Claim
Titebond II and Titebond III
Approved for indirect food contact; Titebond recommends them for cutting boards
Gorilla Wood Glue, Ultimate, Dries Clear
Once cured, comply with 21 CFR 175.105
DAP Weldwood Professional Wood Glue
Complies with FDA regulations for indirect food contact
DAP 100% Silicone Kitchen, Bath & Plumbing
21 CFR 177.2600, incidental food contact
DAP SILICONE MAX Kitchen & Bath
NSF/ANSI 51
Each is the maker’s own claim and scope. “Approved” is Titebond’s word. We haven’t seen an FDA approval of any of these products.
Makers that say not for food
Gorilla says its Hot Glue Sticks are not recommended for direct or indirect food contact and should not be considered food safe, and its Heavy Duty spray adhesive is not for food contact either.
J-B Weld’s FAQ says its products are not rated food-safe.
Loctite says its Epoxy Quick Set, Marine and Instant Mix 1 Minute are not for potable water systems (a drinking-water line, not a food line).
“Non-toxic” and “potable water safe” aren’t food-contact claims. J-B Weld calls its cured product non-toxic in the same answer that says it isn’t rated food-safe, and Loctite’s Epoxy Putty says potable water safe. We wouldn’t glue a surface that touches food unless its maker says that use is covered.
Titebond says Titebond II and III are approved for indirect food contact and recommends them for cutting boards. Gorilla says its wood glues comply with 21 CFR 175.105 once cured.
Is super glue food safe?
We found no super glue sold as food safe. Gorilla says its Super Glue is not for any application with direct or indirect food contact.
Can I glue a broken mug or plate?
We wouldn't use one for food after gluing unless the glue's maker says it covers that use. The food-contact claims we found are for wood glues and two DAP silicone sealants, not for gluing dishware.
The regulation text comes from the eCFR, the FDA lines from FDA’s own pages, and each claim from its maker’s page, data sheet or FAQ, in the maker’s words. Checked against published data from Gorilla Glue Company, Franklin International, Henkel, DAP and J-B Weld (plus 2 more).
See all 21 sources
Gorilla Glue Company, Gorilla Super Glue Gel: product page, FAQ and SDS (2025)