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Food Grade Chemical Packaging Requirements

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates food packaging. Food packaging is a type of food contact substance, which may include coatings, plastics, paper and adhesives. Food packaging cannot have chemicals that are toxic to human health. Regulations must be followed depending on the type of material packaging is composed of and the type of food it is intended to pack.

  1. General Requirements

    • Packaging is required to prevent contamination from outside elements.

      The purpose of food packaging is to protect its contents from moisture, oxygen, heat, insects and other environmental factors. The packaging must also have antimicrobial properties to prevent spoilage, which is particularly important for foods such as vegetables, fruits and meats. If you are unsure whether or not a packaging is FDA approved, contact the FDA or consult the Code of Federal Regulations.

    Plastics

    • Plastics is a type of packaging.

      Food grade plastics are plastics that are of greater purity than plastics for nonfood packaging. Food grade plastics cannot contain dyes and are limited to certain types of recycled plastics. Only plastic containers that are FDA approved for a specific type of food can be used. A container that is approved for one type of food may not be approved for another. Certain containers in contact with foods with a high acid, fat or alcohol content are more prone to leach chemicals into the food on contact. Certain chemicals used to manufacture packaging must also not be over a specified limit.

      A concern for recycled plastics in food packaging is the potential for the presence of non food grade material to contaminate food on contact. Food packaging manufacturers that wish to use recyclable materials would need to submit an application which would include details of the recycling process, source of recycled materials, and any laboratory tests conducted.

    Bisphenol-A

    • Although not yet regulated, bisphenol-A (BPA) is a chemical commonly used in food packaging and baby bottles. BPA was declared safe in 2008, but according to the New York Times article published on January 15, 2010, the FDA is expressing health concerns with BPA contact. Research conducted by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has shown BPA causes reproductive disorders, cancer, asthma, heart disease and other health problems. BPA is currently listed as a food additive but its status may be changed to food contact substance for FDA food-packaging regulation.

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