I am very careful about using only food safe plastics.

But what about metal? Are there contaminants that can leach out of, let's say tin?

I ask because I've spotted some really cute tin containers, very cheap, which I would love to offer truffles samples in (I love giving dual gifts), but I'm always leary of utilizing things not specifically made for food use.

They are advertised in the store for use with candies, but it's a discount store and that may just be their way of trying to sell them. People who don't make food/desserts are not conscious about these things.

TIA!

Could you use them with some sort of liner to avoid direct contact with food?

That's true .... I put all my truffles in a mini liner, so they never actually touch the container holding them ...

... still wondering about chemicals leaching from metal though, just as a matter of general knowledge.

Thanks for reminding me about the wrappers though! DUH!

I've bought decorative plates and bowls that have a label on them that say they aren't to be used with food. You may want to look for a label like that on them. If there is no label then I, personally, would probably use them. As was mentioned you can line the container with some pretty food safe stuff>

I use all kinds of containers but I always line with parchment paper or decorative wax papers so I don't worry about the leaching issue. I would never put food directly in any container, even my bakery boxes get a layer of parchment first.

I would definitely line the tin with some sort of food safe liner. That said, the article that I link to is interesting (if disturbing) reading.

http://www.foodmatters.tv/_webapp_297602/Chemicals_Leaching_From_Food_Packaging