Welcome to the Cake Decorators Q&A

Hi
Our regulations regarding which non food items you can stick in cakes are different to those of the US. Recently I saw a UK decorator saying she used glass head dressmaking pins on her cakes to attach ribbon, flowers etc. Does anyone know if this is allowed under our regulations as I am not aware of food safe pins.

Hi willowdusk

Stainless steel dress makers pins would be considered food grade in the same way as diamantes are. However, as with all things small, great caution must be taken and the recipient of the cake must always be informed if these items are to be left in situ. UK laws do not permit the use of florist wire to be inserted directly into cake as it is not considered food safe. Posy pick must be used as safety sleeves to prevent any cross contamination from the metals into the cake. If you need more information on any aspect of food safety in cake baking and decorating, your local authority will be able to assist you, and of course everyone here will help out too. x

Thank you madeitwithlove. I was aware of the florist wires and use posy picks but I presumed that the pins would be the same as the wire. I always leave an ingredients and non edible list with all cakes I make. That is a big help as I have a bride who wants Swarovski crystals all over her cake, I was having nightmares as to how I was going to do it. x

Hi willowdusk

A crystal studded cake sounds beautiful but could also be quite a hazzard risk. Would it not be safer to have crystal cake banding? I’ve googled images of crystal studded cakes and the jewels are strategically placed, clearly visible for removal. The problem with so many small items stuck in a the cake the risk of accidentally ingesting one would worry me. I guess it’s the bride’s call and you know what you’re doing. I’d like to hear what other members think.

Hi madeitwithlove

My first thought was to do the crystals with isomalt but have never used it before. Anyone got any advice or comments?

I don’t think you will get the same sparkle with Isomalt. Isomalt is dangerous to work with If you’ve never had experience with it. You’ll probably need to get special equipment like heat proof gloves in case you get splattered by the molten sugar and special gem moulds. The results won’t necessarily be good until you’ve practiced a little. You can however buy ready made edible gems from http://www.thecakedecoratingcompany.co.uk/catalog/index.php?cPath=120 and other online decorating stores. The gems come with special handling instructions so they don’t get damaged or loose their shine. The gems look really lovely but I don’t know whether they would give off the same intensity of sparkle as diamantes or crystals.