I have a question regarding highlighter/ultra dust. I have seen many cakes with decorations right on the fondant that appear to be done with these dusts. However, on the bottles and advertisements they state "For use on NON-EDIBLE items. Is there something else (other than gold leaf which is really expensive) that is used to get the same effect on cakes? Is this highlighter/ultra dust safe on the fondant? Is it edible or not? I'm confused....Please help!

No, neither gold nor silver HIGHLIGHTER dusts is edible. It's to be used for decoration only, so pieces painted with it must be removed before serving/eating.

There are some gold & silver luster dusts that are non-toxic and that's a personal judgment call.

I like Crystal Colors Pearlized Bright Silver dust. It's FDA approved & edible. It looks white in the container, but once mixed with clear drinking alcohol or lemon extract, it's a bright silver. The gold is the same way.


HTH
Rae