When I got in my new GF I spent some time playing around with food. Results from engraving on salmon sushi (which was much better then tuna), and a hard boiled egg.
The smell wasn’t an issue. I have always cleaned the bed of my GF with a mr. clean magic eraser and it was a happy accident that I discovered they make scented ones now.
The separate machine is recommended for if you personally want to eat it. Sadly, a lot of policies still prevent letting a restaurant meet health standards if items are coming from the glowforge. I had offered to make stuff for some DC bakeries when I got my 2nd glowforge and they all said the same; that they can not sell anything made with the glowforge while still meeting health and safety standards.