What Are the 7 Types of Food-Grade Plastic?
Plastic is everywhere in the food industry, from packaging and storage containers to kitchen tools and industrial food processing equipment. However, not all plastics are safe for food contact. To ensure consumer safety, only specific types of plastic are deemed food-grade, meaning they do not leach harmful chemicals into food or beverages. In this article, we’ll explore the 7 main types of food-grade plastic , how to identify them, their common applications, and what makes them safe for food contact. Understanding Food-Grade Plastic Food-grade plastic refers to plastic materials that meet strict standards established by regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and other national or international health authorities. These plastics are tested to ensure they don’t contain harmful toxins, won’t react with foods, and are safe under expected usage conditions (e.g., heat, cold, acidity). Most ...
