What's wrong with a galvanized extractor?

[Chip Hankley]

I saw a reference on a recent post about galvanized extractors not being considered food safe. I read some posts on other groups about this, and people were suggesting that one should paint the interior with food grade epoxy paint.

What's the reason for this? If one extracts and immediately transfers into food safe containers (glass, food-grade plastic), is there still significant cause for concern?

Thanks!

Chip

[sbjoh...@aol.com]

I don't anything about extractors, but since we are on the internet together I must provide an opinion.

I assume a galvanized extractor would have a zinc coating on the metal parts.  Many water pipes are/were galvanized, so I don't think there is a health risk from the zinc alone.  It may be in combination with the honey, perhaps due to a pH issue.  I believe the pH of honey is around 4 - maybe the relatively acidic honey has a reaction with the galvanizing that doesn't happen with neutral pH water? 

Steve

sbjoh...@aol.com
http://www.wd8das.net/
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Radio is your best entertainment value.
--------------------------------------------------------------------

-- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups madbees group. To post to this group, send email to mad...@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to madbees+u...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at https://groups.google.com/d/forum/madbees?hl=en

[lindhl tds.net]

The stainless steel became the standard around the 1970's.   It was recommended that the galvanized equipment not be used.

Possibly due to rust issues.     It was  a health police recommendation as far as I know.

So a lot of formerly good equipment was junked.   I do know that stainless is much easier to clean and maintain.  It also is much more expensive.    Stainless steel to my knowledge has nickel in it.   It has a number of grades and thickness's.

-- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups madbees group. To post to this group, send email to mad...@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to madbees+u...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at https://groups.google.com/d/forum/madbees?hl=en

--
Larry Lindokken

[George Adams]

I also don't know much about extractors but remembered these
references to older equipment.

From the book Beekeeping for All (Warre)
"The honey is collected in a ceramic or tinplate
receptacle. Honey deteriorates in galvanised steel containers or those
made of zinc or copper."
My guess is that extractors that are being called galvanized were
really tin plated steel.

And from http://www.beedata.com/data2/basic_honey_processing.htm

"The traditional material for extractors was tin-plated steel, with
soldered joints. Good quality tin-plate will last for many years but
when it starts to rust there is little that can be done to recoat or
paint the inside of the barrel to a standard which would be approved
for processing a food product. Trading Standards officers do not
appreciate traces of rust or paint in honey. Although often still
available second-hand, tin-plate extractors have been replaced by
plastic and stainless steel barrels. When a choice is available
stainless steel is more durable than plastic, does not scratch or
deteriorate with ultra-violet and though more expensive will command a
higher resale price should the need arise."

There might be a food grade epoxy or other coating that could be used
to bring the extractor up to NSF standards.

George

[Chip Hankley]

Thanks for the response.

So, I've used a galvanized extractor for the last 4 years. I take the baskets out, scrub the inside of the tub with soapy water an rinse, same with the baskets.

What other kind of maintenance do I need to do? The baskets are a little brown, but I don't see metal chips flaking off on them. I'm leery of painting all the parts with epoxy... as this seems to potentially introduce one more thing into the mix that could get into the honey.

Thanks again for the responses.

Chip

On Sat, Jul 28, 2012 at 10:53 PM, lindhl tds.net <lin...@tds.net> wrote:

[lindhl tds.net]

bee supply house sell cam coat or similiar cover for galvanized equipment.  It acts as a seal.