List of FDA approved plastics for food contact (2024)

In the food and beverage industry, product safety always takes precedence. A crucial aspect of ensuring this safety is the selection of materials that come into contact with food. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a vital role in evaluating and approving plastics used in the food industry. Join us in exploring a list of FDA approved plastics for food contact and gaining insights into what to consider when choosing materials for your products.

1. What is FDA?

FDA stands for the Food and Drug Administration, which is a regulatory agency under the United States Department of Health and Human Services, headquartered in Washington, D.C.

FDA was established in 1906 with the mission of protecting and promoting public health by regulating the quality and safety of food, pharmaceuticals, tobacco products, dietary supplements, medical devices, vaccines, and other biologics.

The FDA's criteria are the quality and safety standards that products must meet to be sold or distributed in the United States. These criteria are regularly issued and updated by the FDA.

FDA criteria include standards for:

Ingredients: Products must have safe and high-quality ingredients.
Manufacturing processes: Products must be manufactured using safe and quality processes.
Packaging and labeling: Products must be properly packaged and labeled with complete information.

Businesses wishing to sell or distribute products in the United States must adhere to FDA criteria. Non-compliance with FDA criteria can result in penalties, including product recalls.

What is FDA?

2. FDA approved materials list

The FDA is responsible for ensuring the safety of food, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and other consumer products. The FDA maintains a list of materials approved for food contact, known as the "approved food additives list."

2.1. Food Additives

Food additives are substances added to food to enhance flavor, color, texture, or shelf life. The FDA has approved over 3,000 food additives, including preservatives, colorants, acid regulators, emulsifiers, flavor enhancers, and antioxidants.

2.2. Food Packaging

Food packaging refers to any materials used to contain or protect food. The FDA has approved various types of food packaging materials, including:

Plastics: Plastic packaging is the most common type of food packaging. It is made from various types of plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Paper: Paper is another common type of food packaging material. It is often used to package bread, cereals, and other dry food products.
Glass: Glass is a durable and safe food packaging material. It is commonly used to package beverages, canned foods, and other food products.
Metal: Metal is a durable and safe food packaging material as well. It is often used to package beverages, canned foods, and other food products.

Food Packaging

2.3. FDA approved Plastics

Plastic is one of the most commonly used materials in food packaging. The FDA has approved several types of plastics for food contact, and the following plastics are considered FDA approved plastics for food contact and safe for human health when used correctly.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET): Used to make beverage bottles, vegetable oil bottles, and various other food packaging. PET is a sturdy plastic that is durable and does not undergo changes when exposed to high temperatures.
Polypropylene (PP): Used for food containers, food bags, and other food packaging. PP is a lightweight, flexible plastic that can withstand high temperatures.
Polystyrene (PS): Used for food containers, plastic cups, and other food packaging. PS is an inexpensive, lightweight plastic that can tolerate high temperatures.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): Used for plastic bottles, food containers, and other food packaging. PVC is a durable, flexible plastic that can withstand high temperatures.
Polyethylene (PE): Used for food wrap, plastic bags, and various other food packaging. PE is a soft, flexible plastic that can tolerate high temperatures.

FDA approved plastics

2.4. FDA approved resin

FDA approved resin plastics must meet FDA's safety standards, including requirements for composition, additives, and properties of the resin plastic. To gain FDA approval, resin plastics must ensure that:

They do not contain any harmful substances that could pose health risks to humans when in contact with food.
They do not have the potential to release harmful substances when exposed to heat, light, or other environmental conditions.
They possess high durability and stability to ensure safety during use.

Some common types of FDA approved resin plastics include:

3. Is polypropylene food safe?

Polypropylene (PP) plastic is a type of plastic that is FDA approved for food contact. It is considered safe for human health when used correctly.

PP is used to make various types of food packaging, including food containers, food bags, food trays, and food wraps. It is also used to make eating utensils, kitchenware, and food processing equipment. Therefore, it can be said that polypropylene is safe for food.

Studies have shown that PP does not have the ability to release harmful chemicals when in contact with food. However, PP can degrade or undergo changes over time, so it should be used within its useful lifespan.

Is polypropylene food safe?

4. How to identify FDA approved plastics for food contact

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for regulating substances that come into contact with food (FCS), including plastics. Plastics approved by the FDA for food contact are labeled as "food-grade" or "FDA compliant."

There are several ways to identify FDA approved plastics for food contact. One way is to look for the FDA symbol on the packaging or product. This symbol consists of a white triangle with an "R" inside it.

Another way to identify FDA approved plastics for food contact is to look for a numerical code on the product. This code includes a letter representing the type of plastic and a number representing the specific plastic type. FDA approved plastics typically have the following numerical codes:

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): 2
LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): 4
PP (Polypropylene): 5
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): 1
PC (Polycarbonate): 7

Additionally, you can also check with the manufacturer or retailer to determine whether a product is made from FDA approved plastics.

How to identify FDA approved plastics for food contact

5. Tips for using FDA approved plastics

These plastics are considered safe for use with food when used correctly. However, it's important to be aware of some important considerations when using them.

Do not use plastic products that are damaged, cracked, or broken. Cracks or fissures can allow chemicals from the plastic to seep into the food.
Avoid using plastic products to hold hot or acidic foods. High temperatures and acidic substances can degrade plastic and release harmful chemicals.
Clean plastic products thoroughly with hot water and soap before use. This helps remove any dirt or bacteria that may be on the plastic's surface.
Do not use plastic products in the microwave or oven. High temperatures can damage plastic and release harmful chemicals.
Avoid exposing plastic products directly to sunlight. Sunlight can degrade plastic and release harmful chemicals.

In addition, you can consider the following tips for using plastics more safely:

Limit the use of single-use plastic products. Single-use plastics are often made from cheaper plastics that can be more prone to damage and release more harmful chemicals.
Choose plastic products labeled as "food-grade" or "FDA compliant." These labels ensure that the product has been tested and certified as safe for food contact.
Check with the manufacturer or retailer for additional information on how to use and store safe plastic products.

These are the comprehensive insights into the list of FDA approved plastics for food contact. Hopefully, this information will assist you in making informed choices for your everyday products that ensure quality. By following the identification methods and usage tips, you can ensure that the plastic products you use are safe for you and your family.