nonfoodgrade

Nonfoodgrade, or non-food-grade, refers to materials, substances, or equipment that are not approved for direct contact with edible food by the applicable regulatory authorities. A nonfoodgrade designation means the item has not been evaluated or certified to meet the safety and migration standards required for food-contact use. Such items may be safe for other applications but should not be used where they could contact food or move into food packaging.

Nonfoodgrade contrasts with food-grade materials, which are specifically manufactured, tested, and labeled to minimize the risk of harmful chemical migration, contamination, or allergen transfer into food. Regulatory regimes vary by jurisdiction but commonly require tests for substance migration, purity, and potential contaminants. In the United States, the FDA regulates materials intended to contact food; in the European Union, Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 and related plastics and packaging rules govern compliance.

Common nonfoodgrade items include decorative plastics, general-purpose adhesives, coatings, lubricants, or cleaning tools that are used in food environments but are not intended to contact food. They may be suitable for non-food applications such as equipment exteriors, storage for non-edible items, or consumer products where no contact with food occurs.

Risks of using nonfoodgrade materials for food-related purposes include chemical migration, taint of flavor or odor, and potential allergen exposure. Because of this, labeling often specifies “not for food contact” or “non-food-contact” to prevent misuse.