The finish of the head or connector at the top of the whip comes off so badly that it blackens your hand and anything it touches. It would be unsafe if food came up against it, I would say. I consider this a defect and wouldn't even buy the machine again. If newer models didn't have this issue, I would recommend it to a friend. Note that this model is too big to whip a couple of egg whites as it doesn't reach the bottom in a wide enough sweep. (This review was collected as part of a promotion.)