Chloe Zhang
Food grade plastic is an umbrella term for a variety of plastics that are safe for direct food contact. These plastics are manufactured to a higher standard than other plastics and are used in many applications, from food packaging and shipping to the development and distribution of pharmaceutical products. To be considered food safe, plastic must meet strict requirements and be free of BPAs, chemicals, dyes, and other harmful additives. It must also be durable, protective, and chemically safe. Food-grade plastics are typically designed to be flexible, moisture-resistant, and versatile, allowing manufacturers to create various shapes and sizes of containers. Examples of food-grade plastics include PET, HDPE, LDPE, polypropylene, PVC, and polystyrene.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Food-grade rating | Ranges from 1-7 |
| Food-safe rating | 2, 4, and 5 |
| Food-safe single-use rating | 1 |
| Harmful chemicals | BPAs, PBDE, DEHP |
| Food-grade materials | Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), High-density polyethylene (HDPE), Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polystyrene (PS) |
| Food-safe materials | PS is used for plastic cutlery, plates, bowls, and food containers |
| PP is used for yogurt and other dairy containers | |
| LDPE is used for bread bags, six-pack rings, and produce bags | |
| PET is used for beverage bottles, vitamin bottles, and condiment bottles | |
| HDPE is used for milk jugs, yogurt containers, and food storage containers | |
| Polycarbonate is used for food storage | |
| Acrylic is used instead of glass containers |
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What You'll Learn
Food-grade vs food-safe plastics
Plastic is widely used for storing food, but some plastics contain harmful chemicals like BPAs, which are unsafe for human consumption. This has led to the emergence of food-grade and food-safe plastics, which are free from harmful chemicals and safe for storing food. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings.
Food-grade plastics are any BPA-free and less chemically concentrated materials that do not release harsh chemicals or toxins when consumed or come into contact with food. These plastics are marked with a food-grade rating ranging from 1 to 7, with 2, 4, and 5 being the safest for food storage. Food-grade plastics are not only used for food containers but also for other purposes like kitchen gadgets, conveyor belts, and appliances. They are also used in the agricultural industry to store grains and foodstuffs, preserving their quality until consumption. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), for instance, is used to produce bags that wrap foodstuffs and agricultural produce.
On the other hand, food-safe plastics are specifically designed for direct food contact and are safe for consumption, carrying, and storing food. These plastics are tested and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure they do not negatively impact human health. Food-safe plastics are versatile and can be processed into containers of different sizes, shapes, and colours. They are also used in the restaurant industry, where they can be reused for storing sauces and other food items.
While food-grade and food-safe plastics have different applications, they both prioritise consumer safety. Food-grade plastics focus on using non-toxic materials and safe manufacturing processes, while food-safe plastics undergo rigorous testing and approval processes to ensure they are safe for direct food contact. Both types of plastics play a crucial role in maintaining the safety and quality of food products.
In summary, while food-grade and food-safe plastics share the common goal of ensuring food safety, they differ in their specific definitions, applications, and regulatory requirements. Understanding these differences is essential for manufacturers and consumers to make informed choices and maintain the highest standards of food safety.
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FDA-approved plastics
Food-grade plastics are any BPA-free and less chemically concentrated materials that do not release harsh chemicals or toxins when consumed or come into contact with food. Food-grade plastics are not always safe for food contact, and food-safe plastics are specifically designed for food contact. These products are tested and approved by the FDA for direct contact and do not pose any harmful impact on human health.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was created to set standards for the safe production and storage of food, beverages, and drugs. The FDA also closely examines preparation equipment and packaging materials, including plastic. To be FDA-compliant, a material must be able to withstand the environment it will be used in. For example, a plastic conveyor belt that transports food through an oven must not undergo any physical changes when exposed to high temperatures.
Several plastics have made it onto the FDA-approved materials list for food contact and are used in food, beverage, and medicine packaging. These include:
- HDPE: The most common household plastic, used to make beverage bottles, butter containers, cereal box liners, and thicker food storage buckets. Recycled HDPE is reviewed by the FDA on a case-by-case basis, as it can sometimes become unsafe in the recycling process.
- LDPE: Similar to HDPE, but less rigid, making it perfect for squeeze bottles or plastic film like cling wrap, six-pack rings, and more. It is chemically resistant, repels microorganisms, and doesn't leach harmful toxins when used to store food at a variety of temperatures.
- Polypropylene: Used for single-serve containers like yoghurt cups, but also found in reusable containers that can store leftovers. It is very durable, has high heat resistance, and is safe for use in the microwave and dishwasher.
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET): Used for single-serve beverage bottles, vitamin bottles, condiment bottles, peanut butter jars, salad dressing containers, and more. Recycled PET is FDA-approved for food contact, as it repels microorganisms and doesn't corrode.
It is important to note that not all food-grade plastics are suitable for every product or production process. The selection of the right material depends on how the part will be moulded, what it will be used for, and what regulatory standards it must meet. Additionally, food-grade materials are only considered food-safe if they are utilized according to their intended use to prevent safety hazards. For example, a plastic container manufactured for dry cereal may not be safe for storing hot soup, as the heat could break down the chemical bonds of the plastic and cause toxins to contaminate the food.
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Recycling codes and safety
Food-grade plastics are any BPA-free and less chemically concentrated materials that do not release harsh chemicals or toxins when consumed or come into contact with food. Food-grade plastic has to meet regulations and cannot contain dyes, additives, or harmful products. Food-grade materials are reviewed and studied by the FDA's Division of Food Contact Notifications office, which is made up of scientists, including chemists and toxicologists.
Food-safe plastics, on the other hand, are products specifically designed for food contact and are safe for consuming, carrying, and storing food. These products are tested and approved by the FDA for direct contact as they do not pose any harmful impact on human health. Food-safe plastic can contain recycled materials, but these must fit the appropriate guidelines.
While food-grade and food-safe are two different phenomena, if an item is considered food-grade or food-safe, it is understood to be FDA compliant.
Food-grade plastics have a wide range of applications in sectors concerning health and the environment. Some of the most common examples of food-grade plastics are HDPE, LDPE, PP, and PLA. These plastics have low toxicity levels and a low risk of releasing chemicals in what you eat. LDPE and PVC plastics are used for manufacturing flexible and stretchable food wrapping, such as cheese wraps, bread bags, and meat package bags. These cling wrap packages are useful to avoid bacterial invasion and food contamination. LDPE is considered safe for food use and is ranked #4 on the recycling number chart.
Food-safe plastic bottles include code numbers 2, 4, and 5 for storage as they are food-grade. Code number 1 is safe for single use but becomes dangerous if reused. HDPE bottles are ranked #2 and are safe for food storage. PP bottles are ranked #6 and are not the best choice as they leak poisonous gases when heated. Bottles ranked #3 and #7 should be avoided when storing food as they may contain BPA and leak chemicals into the food. They are also dangerous when heated.
Polypropylene fabric is used for many applications, including bale wrap, pallet sheets, and reinforcements. It is a very durable material that is also chemical-resistant. Due to its high heat resistance, polypropylene safety is very high. Polypropylene food-safe containers include medication bottles, dairy containers, and food storage boxes. Polyethylene Terephthalate is more rigid and impact-resistant than other food-grade plastics in the lineup.
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Common food-grade plastics
Food-grade plastic is a term used to refer to a variety of plastics that are safe to use with food. These plastics are manufactured to a higher standard than other plastics and are deemed suitable to come into direct contact with food. They are made in a strictly controlled environment to ensure consumer safety.
Food-grade plastics are used in many applications, from the packaging and shipping of harvested crops to the supermarket, to the development and distribution of pharmaceutical products. They are also used in the agricultural industries, for storing grains and similar foodstuffs for animals.
Food-grade plastics must be protective, durable, chemically safe, and free of BPAs, chemicals, and other harmful additives. They should also be versatile and flexible, allowing manufacturers to create various shapes and sizes of containers.
Some common food-grade plastics include:
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET): This is one of the most common plastics used in the food and beverage industry due to its rigidity, high impact resistance, and thermal resistance. It is often used for hot filling as it can withstand high temperatures while preserving its transparency and lightweight properties.
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE): HDPE is known for its strong and durable qualities, making it suitable for everyday storage in the food and beverage industry. It has excellent chemical resistance and is often used for cold-fill products as it can be easily moulded and offers thermal stability.
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE): LDPE has relatively low tensile strength and is designed as a temporary container for grocery food items. It is often used for flexible food packaging, such as plastic bags or liners.
- Polypropylene (PP): This FDA-approved plastic is a robust thermoplastic polymer with an impressive melting point and good resistance to extreme temperatures. It is often used for containers that need to be cleaned in a dishwasher or microwave.
- Polystyrene (PS): PS has good insulation properties, making it ideal for temporary coffee and hot food containers. It is also easy to handle and helps prevent minor burns to the skin. However, PS can leach chemicals when used for long-term food storage and is not suitable for microwave storage due to its low melting point.
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Avoiding toxins and health risks
Food-grade plastic is a plastic material deemed safe for use with food. However, not all food-grade plastics are designed for food containers or consumables carriers; some are designed for other purposes, such as production, agriculture, transportation, medicine, and beauty.
Food-grade plastic must be produced in a safe environment using safe materials. It must be protective, durable, and chemically safe. It should not contaminate food and should not have the potential for "leeching", where chemicals could seep into food and affect the taste or cause adverse health effects.
To avoid toxins and health risks, it is important to use the proper food storage containers to prevent unwanted bacteria and toxins from entering the body. Glass, stainless steel, silicone, and ceramic containers are considered the safest for food storage, as they have the most heat resistance and do not leak toxins into food. Plastic containers made of HDPE, LDPE, and PP plastics are also considered safe for food storage. These include juice and milk jugs, grocery bags, bread bags, produce bags, and food storage boxes.
It is recommended to avoid allowing plastic wrap to come into contact with food, especially when heating or if the food has a high fat content, such as meat or cheese. Instead, cover food with a microwave-safe dish or paper towel when heating in the microwave. It is also advised to avoid using black plastic to heat food in the microwave or oven, as research has found hazardous flame retardants in a significant percentage of these products.
When choosing plastic containers, it is important to check the food-grade rating, which ranges from 1 to 7, with grades 2, 4, and 5 being the safest for food storage. It is also worth noting that not all plastics are truly recyclable, and opting for reusable alternatives can help reduce environmental pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
Food-grade plastics are plastic materials deemed safe for use with foods. They are manufactured to a higher standard than other plastics and are suitable to come into direct contact with food.
Some examples of food-grade plastics include PET, HDPE, LDPE, polypropylene, PVC, and polystyrene.
Food-grade plastics offer excellent resistance against moisture, making them effective for sealing food and preventing contamination. They also provide durability and help retain the freshness and quality of food stored in them.
To identify food-grade plastics, look for certifications such as ISO 9000 or the Food Safety System Certification (FSSC 22000). You can also look for the 'chasing arrows' symbol on the packaging, indicating that it has been approved by regulatory bodies like the FDA.
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