Welcome to the Cake Decorators Q&A

I gather there is now a problem with using IPA, isopropyl alcohol, and edible food pens with it in cannot be used. Foe the Luster cakes, Paul did a luster wedding cake recently , is IPA now banned, what would you mix with the Luster dust to give the finish, would vodka evaporate fast enough, also is there a non alcohol alternative.?
Also any advice on what is now not allowed, I assume rejuvenator liquid/dipping solution is off limits?
many thanks

Hi hs2320

The product can be purchased here:
http://www.cake-stuff.com/edibles-c1/essential-edibles-c38/rejuvenator-fluid-c40/cake-stuff-sugarcraft-ipa-dipping-solution-275ml-p1584
The product information which appears beside the picture of the bottle clearly states that it can be used for mixing paints to be used on cakes.

Please also scroll right down and have a look at the latest answer which I gave in the IPA blog here:

Can We Use IPA in Cake Decorating?

Hope this helps lessen the confusion.

Yes it is the same thing. The product details which appears beside the picture of the bottle clearly states that it can be used for mixing paints to be used on cakes. To help you indentify it’s uses I would advise reading through the information which Cake Stuff have provided.

Happy painting!

Hi Sue

Yes there is a problem, I think this was announced about three weeks ago, at least that’s when I read it. If this is what the FSA has deemed then that’s what we have to abide by. Weird really since IPA has been used for so many years without complaint.

You can use vodka or even trex. This is how I do it. I make the solution up with vodka, load the brush and shake off any excess, brush it on the cake and allow the first coat to dry. The vodka will evaporate but not as quickly as the IPA. If you allow it to dry before you paint the next layer, the sugarpaste won’t go tacky. My favouirte way is with trex/shortening. Rub some trex in your hands as if it was hand lotion and smooth it all over the cake. Load the brush up with lustre, shake off the excess and apply to the cake in a circular motion. Build the layers of lustre up until the desire effect is achieved. If you find it becomes too shiny it can be removed with damp vodka loaded brush. Trex doesn’t make the sugarpaste greasy plus it gets absorbed into the sugar with causing any problems. I’ve been using it for years because I can’t stand the smell of IPA which I’ve avoided using. Suddenly it became fashionable and now it’s no longer legal to use on food.
My hubby is a chemist, he tells me that the IPA doesn’t actually absorb into the sugar, it evaporates too quickly. We’re not allowed to use it and that’s that!
I should think the same applies to all of it including food markerpens where IPA is used as the carrier for the colour. I think lemon extract would have to be ruled out because of the quantities you’d need. Some lemon extracts can cause severe irritation of the skin, mouth and lips and can also leave a taint. Water will not be a feasible carrier because the lustre will not mix in with it. If you want to make a dipping solution type of substance you can make it with gum arabic. Take a peek here for glaze recipe:

Front Page

The recipe is in the blog, increase it by ratio if you need a bigger amount. I make it the day before. To make a deeper glaze, leave one painted layer to dry before applying another.
I hope some of the above information helps. If I hear of anything else I’ll post and hopefully other mebers will share how they have over come this problem. x

that is really helpful thanks, I agree that IPA stinks, it is hard to keep up with all the changes!

Hi Sue

Since you posted about IPA, hubby and I have been digging around to find more information. I have forgotton where I read this information, is it possible please that you could tell me where you read it?
Would really appreciate your help. x

found this from the Great Cake Warehouse Good afternoon. We have been advised by the FSA that we are no longer able to sell any products containing IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol). IPA is not a permitted additive under EU food additives legislation (regulation 1333/2008) and it’s use in any food for an additive function is not authorised.
This includes all Rainbow Dust double sided food pens, Rainbow Dust Paint Creator, Sugarflair Glitter Paints and Dipping Solution.
We have confirmation from our local council (via the FSA) that these products must be removed from sale with immediate effect. Enforcement action will be taken where non-compliant products are found for sale.
Please note that this is not a product recall but all manufacturers must cease using IPA in any future products. We have spoken to all the manufacturers regarding this matter and they are currently in the process of reformulating all the products that do contain IPA.

also this is a bit long but may help. A letter from Rhondda Cynon Taff Council, not to me but to Gold medal winner Rhianydd Webb, teacher demonstrator etc etc
I thought it might be helpful to let all those living in RCT know that I received a letter today about Isopropyl. It is now no longer allowed to be used.
Culpitt have issued a list of the products that will no longer be sold, they say that it is not a product recall, just a removal from sale, but RCT say that if your items contain IPA, then you are simply no longer allowed to use it as its “use in any food for an additive function is not authorised”.
This is the list from Culpitt. However, they list non-edible IPA on the list, but all IPA is now considered inedible in RCT
Please remove this post if it is not suitable.
53460 COLOUR-AIRFLAIR A/BRSH-PRIMARY-6SET-60ml
53461 COLOUR-AIRFLAIR A/BRSH-TONAL-6SET-60ml
53442 COLOUR-AIRFLAIR AIRBRUSH-CREAM/GOLD-60ml
53441 COLOUR-AIRFLAIR AIRBRUSH-DAFFODIL-60ml
53450 COLOUR-AIRFLAIR AIRBRUSH-GRAPE/VIO-60ml
53444 COLOUR-AIRFLAIR AIRBRUSH-GREEN-60ml
53453 COLOUR-AIRFLAIR AIRBRUSH-OCEAN BLUE-60ml
53447 COLOUR-AIRFLAIR AIRBRUSH-PEACH/SKIN-60ml
54967 COLOUR-RD-EDIBLE FOOD PEN-AIRFORCE BLUE
54961 COLOUR-RD-EDIBLE FOOD PEN-BLACK
54800 COLOUR-RD-EDIBLE FOOD PEN-BRIGHT GOLD
54970 COLOUR-RD-EDIBLE FOOD PEN-BURGUNDY
54971 COLOUR-RD-EDIBLE FOOD PEN-CANARY YELLOW
54968 COLOUR-RD-EDIBLE FOOD PEN-CHOCOLATE
54802 COLOUR-RD-EDIBLE FOOD PEN-COFFEE
54964 COLOUR-RD-EDIBLE FOOD PEN-DARK GOLD
54963 COLOUR-RD-EDIBLE FOOD PEN-DUSKY PINK
54803 COLOUR-RD-EDIBLE FOOD PEN-GRAPE VIOLET
54969 COLOUR-RD-EDIBLE FOOD PEN-HOLLY GREEN
54804 COLOUR-RD-EDIBLE FOOD PEN-ICED PINE
54972 COLOUR-RD-EDIBLE FOOD PEN-LEAF GREEN
54966 COLOUR-RD-EDIBLE FOOD PEN-NAVY BLUE
54973 COLOUR-RD-EDIBLE FOOD PEN-ORANGE
54974 COLOUR-RD-EDIBLE FOOD PEN-PEACH
54962 COLOUR-RD-EDIBLE FOOD PEN-RED
54805 COLOUR-RD-EDIBLE FOOD PEN-ROYAL BLUE
54965 COLOUR-RD-EDIBLE FOOD PEN-SILVER GREY
54893 COLOUR-RD-EDIBLE FOOD PEN-SKY BLUE
54806 COLOUR-RD-EDIBLE FOOD PEN-SKY BLUE
54807 COLOUR-RD-EDIBLE FOOD PEN-SPRING GREEN
54975 COLOUR-RD-EDIBLE FOOD PEN-TEAL
54801 COLOUR-RD-EDIBLE FOOD PEN-YELLOW
54443 COLOUR-SUGARFLAIR-ED LIQUID-CELBRTION-8g
54440 COLOUR-SUGARFLAIR-ED LIQUID-GOLD-8g
54442 COLOUR-SUGARFLAIR-ED LIQUID-RUBY-8g
54441 COLOUR-SUGARFLAIR-ED LIQUID-SILVER-8g
5519 EDIBLE-CONFECTIONERS VARNISH-100ml
55432 EDIBLE-RD-PAINT CREATOR-30ml
5903 EDIBLE-SUGARFLAIR-CONFECTION GLAZE-50ml
5234 EDIBLE-SUGARFLAIR-GLITTER PAINT-BLK-20g
5227 EDIBLE-SUGARFLAIR-GLITTER PAINT-BLUE-20g
5230 EDIBLE-SUGARFLAIR-GLITTER PAINT-GOLD-20g
5228 EDIBLE-SUGARFLAIR-GLITTER PAINT-GRN-20g
5233 EDIBLE-SUGARFLAIR-GLITTER PAINT-LILA-20g
5232 EDIBLE-SUGARFLAIR-GLITTER PAINT-PINK-20g
5226 EDIBLE-SUGARFLAIR-GLITTER PAINT-RED-20g
5231 EDIBLE-SUGARFLAIR-GLITTER PAINT-SILV-20g
5229 EDIBLE-SUGARFLAIR-GLITTER PAINT-WHIT-20g
5225 EDIBLE-SUGARFLAIR-GLITTER PAINT-YELL-20g
55425 NON EDIBLE-RD-DIPPING SOLUTION-155ml
59737 NON EDIBLE-SQUIRES-QFC GLZE CLEANER-20ml
550XLBK PHOTOCAKE-550XLBK-CARTRIDGE-LGE BLK-2PK
551XLBK PHOTOCAKE-551XLBK-CARTRIDGE-BLACK-2PK
551XLC PHOTOCAKE-551XLC-CARTRIDGE-CYAN-2PK
551XLM PHOTOCAKE-551XLM-CARTRIDGE-MAGENTA-2PK
551XLY PHOTOCAKE-551XLY-CARTRIDGE-YELLOW-2PK
CLI520B PHOTOCAKE-CLI520 CARTRIDGE-BLACK-LG-2 PK
CLI521B PHOTOCAKE-CLI521 CARTRIDGE-BLACK-2 PK
CLI521C PHOTOCAKE-CLI521 CARTRIDGE-CYAN-2 PK
CLI521M PHOTOCAKE-CLI521 CARTRIDGE-MAGENTA-2PK
CLI521Y PHOTOCAKE-CLI521 CARTRIDGE-YELLOW-2 PK
IP3500BL PHOTOCAKE-IP3500 CARTRIDGE-BLACK-2 PK
IP3500CY PHOTOCAKE-IP3500 CARTRIDGE-CYAN-2 PK
IP3500MAG PHOTOCAKE-IP3500 CARTRIDGE-MAGENTA-2 PK
IP3500YE PHOTOCAKE-IP3500 CARTRIDGE-YELLOW-2 PK
55432 EDIBLE-RD-PAINT CREATOR-30ml
55425 NON EDIBLE-RD-DIPPING SOLUTION-155m

Oh heck it’s too complex for me but my hubby will under stand it all. He wants to further investigate why the large bottles of the IPA state ‘food grade’ so I’m just letting him get on with it.
I’ll let you know as more information emerges. Thank you for letting me have the above info. x

make glitter look easy ! many thanks madeitwithlove.
Paul may need to change the notes on his lessons, but I guess the manufacturers will come up with alternative pens etc quickly enough

The pens are already in production, this must be costing them millions especially as no one has actually said that it is a food safety issue. I don’t how many other things Brussels will deem unfit for use on food. At this rate we won’t be able to use anything but water ……. or may be not even that either!! Oh well, we’ll soon see what the out come is. I think there is a certain amount of pedanticism going on the interpretation of how IPA actually interacts with food. Can you imagine how many other things IPA is added to? no one has mentioned things like PME lustre sprays which most people go mad with! I think that contains IPA. Perhaps we should just all go back to basics, life would be so much easier!! I know David will be up to speed on all this. No doubt Paul will be making some sort of announcement when things settle down from the new site launche. Sit tight and wait is all we can do at present.

are we allowed to you rejuvanator fluid or is that IPA based, Danielle used it on the London Bear cake, but it may well have been recorded a while ago, before all this came out.
slightly different question: if you paint with vodka, use it in edible glue or on wafer paper do you tell the customer that the cake may contain traces of alcohol?

Hello Sue

There is no law to say that we can’t use IPA it’s just that manufacturers are not allowed to use IPA as a carrier. After you raised your original question I asked my hubby to investigate and write a blog on the subject. His blog is here:

Can We Use IPA in Cake Decorating?

If you do use vodka it will be necessary to declare the information to customers incase they are prohibited for whatever reason it’s consumption even in trace.

Hope this helps. x

OK I am totally confused now. I posted a question a couple of weeks ago and was told we could still use IPA but I haven’t been able to buy any anywhere. I want to lustre a cake just like Paul Bradford’s Golden Damask Rose Cake. Madewithlove’s husband wrote an article and I thought I had managed to understand it. However, from the above response it looks like I can’t. I haven’t been able to source any 96% alcohol (and I am presuming this is the same as isopropyl alcohol. If we are allowed to use it just the same way as Paul Bradford used it, where can I get it from? Please help, I have a Golden Wedding Anniversary cake to make and am beginning to panic.

Hello madeitwithlove,

Thank you so much for being so patient with me, I am very grateful. I understand now that, yes, we can use IPA to lustre the tiers of cakes. Last question I promise! The above rejuvenator fluid is 99.9% alcohol. Is this any different from the 96% alcohol which Paul is using? I presume the 99.9% evaporates off the cake the same way the 96% leaving just the colour?