toidukasutuseks

Toidukasutuseks is Estonian for “for food use” or “intended for contact with food.” The term is used on materials, articles and packaging to indicate that the item is suitable for handling, storing or preparing edible products and should meet food-contact safety requirements.

The designation applies to a broad range of items, including plastics, metals, ceramics, coatings and adhesives, as well as everyday kitchenware. Examples include storage containers, cutting boards, utensils, serving dishes, beverage bottles and labeling on packaging. Items marked toidukasutuseks are typically expected to be safe for contact with food under the conditions for which they are designed.

Legal and regulatory context in Estonia and the European Union requires that materials and articles intended to come into contact with food comply with relevant rules, notably Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 and, for plastics, Regulation (EU) 10/2011. These standards address safety concerns such as the migration of substances from the material into food and the overall suitability of the product for food contact. Compliance may be demonstrated through conformity statements or documentation accompanying the product.

Practical considerations include using items labeled toidukasutuseks only for their intended purpose and within the specified conditions, such as temperature ranges and cleaning guidelines. Avoid using non-food-grade materials for food contact, and do not repurpose items beyond their labeled scope, as this can introduce safety risks or compromise performance.