what is edible gold made of

Edible gold is a type of food-safe gold that is used as a decorative ingredient in food and drinks. It is made of 99.9% 24-carat gold, which is melted down and hammered, pounded, shaped, and pressed into thin sheets or powder. Edible gold must fulfill the specifications from the applicable food safety standards and has to be pure to avoid any type of infections or perils for the body. It is biologically inert, meaning it passes through the digestive tract without being absorbed, and is safe to eat. Edible gold and silver are composed of pure metals: 24 carat, 23 carat gold, and pure silver. They contain no copper, which is harmful to the body, and no substances of animal origin. There are no nutritional or health benefits associated with its consumption. Edible gold is used to decorate food, such as cakes, pastries, desserts, jellies, ice cream, hors d’oeuvres, finger food, fish, meat, vegetables, fusion recipes, sushi, cocktails, liqueurs, and spirits.