foodcontact

Food contact refers to any material, surface, or object intended to come into contact with food during processing, packaging, storage, handling, or serving. The term covers packaging films and trays, processing equipment, kitchen utensils, coatings on containers, and finished consumerware. The safety and performance of these items are governed by regulations designed to limit chemical migration, preserve food quality, and prevent contamination.

Regulatory frameworks vary by region but share common goals. In the European Union, materials and articles intended to contact food are regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004, which requires that they do not endanger health, do not mislead consumers, and are safe for their intended use. There are specific measures for particular material groups, such as plastics and ceramics. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration regulates food contact substances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, with migration limits implemented through 21 CFR parts 170–199. Other regions maintain similar schemes with substance approvals and testing requirements.

Migration and safety: Substances can migrate from materials into food, influenced by factors such as temperature, contact time, and food type. Regulators establish limits called specific migration limits (SMLs) or generic limits for overall migration. Safe use typically requires using approved materials, maintaining proper documentation, and performing appropriate testing.

Common materials and design considerations: Stainless steel is widely used for equipment; polymers such as PET, PP, and PE are common in packaging; glass and ceramics appear in containers; coatings, silicone, and elastomeric seals are used in diverse components. Important considerations include chemical resistance, heat stability, barrier properties, cleanliness, and compatibility with various foods.

Risk management and compliance: Manufacturers conduct risk assessments, select compliant substances, perform testing, and implement good manufacturing practices and HACCP. Documentation, traceability, and lifecycle considerations, including reuse and recycling, support safe and compliant use of food contact materials.