How to Know if Your Food Packaging Is Actually Food Safe?

Did you know? About 48 million people in the U.S. suffer from foodborne illnesses annually, and unsafe packaging can play a role. Food packaging isn’t just about keeping food fresh – it directly impacts your health and safety. Here’s what you need to know:

• Key Risks to Watch For:

  • Chemical Safety: Harmful substances like PFAS can leach into food.
  • Biological Protection: Packaging should shield food from bacteria and mold.
  • Physical Integrity: Packaging must prevent contamination from damage.
    
    

• Look for These Indicators:

  • Symbols like the glass and fork icon or “BPA-Free” labels signal food-safe materials.
  • Plastics with codes 1 (PET), 2 (HDPE), 4 (LDPE), or 5 (PP) are safer options.
  • Avoid PVC (3) and PS (6) for food contact.
    
    

• Certifications That Matter:

  • FDA compliance ensures materials meet safety standards.
  • Certifications like HACCP, SQF, and ISO 22000 add credibility.
    
    

• Quick Tips:

  • Don’t microwave food in plastic containers.
  • Opt for glass or stainless steel for storage.
  • Check for tamper-evident packaging to ensure safety.

Food-safe packaging protects your health, builds trust, and prevents costly recalls. Want to dive deeper into certifications, materials, and testing methods? Keep reading for a detailed breakdown.

Food Contact Materials: A road map to improved safety testing

Food Safety Rules and Standards

When it comes to food packaging safety in the United States, federal regulations and industry standards play a critical role. The FDA ensures that packaging materials don’t contaminate food or pose health risks to consumers. Food recalls are not only damaging to public trust but also costly, averaging $10 million per incident ^[3]. Knowing the rules and certifications surrounding food packaging is essential for protecting both your business and your customers.

U.S. Food Packaging Laws

The FDA’s Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts 170-190 forms the foundation of food packaging laws. These regulations cover:

• Food Contact Materials: Any material that directly touches food must meet strict FDA safety standards.
• Indirect Additives: Substances that could migrate into food during storage or handling.
• Material Specifications: Detailed requirements for the composition and manufacturing of packaging materials.

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) of 2011 took these protections a step further by requiring manufacturers to proactively identify and address potential hazards.

In a significant update, the FDA announced in January 2025 that 35 Food Contact Notifications (FCNs) related to PFAS-containing substances used for grease-proofing paper and paperboard would no longer be effective ^[6]. This reflects the agency’s ongoing efforts to address emerging safety concerns.

Required Safety Certifications

Demonstrating compliance with food safety standards involves meeting both FDA requirements and obtaining key industry certifications.

FDA Compliance
While the FDA doesn’t “approve” packaging materials, it requires manufacturers to ensure their materials are safe for food contact ^[4]. This includes:

• Reviewing 21 CFR 174-179.
• Verifying ingredients against the GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) list.
• Ensuring Prior Sanctioned materials comply with 21 CFR 181.
• Checking Food Contact Substance Notifications.

Industry Certifications
In addition to FDA compliance, voluntary certifications are widely recognized as benchmarks for food safety. Here are some of the most prominent certifications:

Certification	Purpose	Key Requirements
HACCP	Hazard prevention	Focuses on identifying and controlling food safety risks systematically.
SQF	Food safety management	Covers both food safety and quality management.
ISO 22000	International standard	Provides a framework for global food safety management systems.

Interestingly, 73% of global consumers are willing to pay more for products with verified safety and sustainability claims ^[3]. This highlights how certifications can enhance both consumer trust and business competitiveness.

To maintain these certifications, manufacturers should:

• Keep detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Use real-time systems for monitoring temperature and sanitation.
• Conduct routine supplier audits.
• Maintain comprehensive safety documentation.
• Ensure employees are trained on the latest safety protocols.

The FDA continues to refine its evaluation of chemicals in food and food contact substances, relying on rigorous scientific and regulatory methods ^[5]. Staying informed and compliant is not just about meeting legal requirements – it’s about prioritizing safety and earning consumer trust.

Checking for Food-Safe Materials

Reading Safety Symbols and Codes

When choosing food-safe materials, start by identifying the glass and fork symbol – an international mark that ensures packaging won’t leach harmful chemicals into your food ^[9][7]. For plastics, look for Resin Identification Codes (RIC), which are numbers found inside recycling triangles. While these codes help with recycling ^[7][10], they don’t automatically mean the material is safe for food use ^[9]. Labels like BPA-Free and Food-Contact Safe are additional indicators that the material has undergone safety testing ^[8].

Understanding these symbols is crucial for recognizing how packaging materials could impact food safety.

Chemical Transfer Dangers

Studies show that about 3,600 chemicals – roughly 25% of those used in food-contact materials – can migrate into food ^[1][12]. The risk of this migration depends on several factors:

Factor	Higher Risk	Lower Risk
Food Type	High-fat foods	Low-fat foods
Contact Type	Direct contact	Indirect contact
Material Thickness	Thin packaging	Thick packaging
Temperature	High heat exposure	Room temperature
Duration	Extended storage	Short-term storage

To reduce these risks, follow these tips:

• Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers ^[11].
• Transfer takeout food to heat-safe containers like glass or stainless steel ^[11][12].
• Opt for fresh or bulk foods instead of pre-packaged items ^[12].

Safety Levels of Different Materials

The material used in packaging plays a significant role in its ability to resist chemical migration. Here’s a breakdown of common materials and their safety profiles:

Material Type	Safety Level	Uses	Advice
PET (1)	High	Beverage bottles, food containers	Safe for single use
HDPE (2)	High	Milk jugs, storage containers	Safe for repeated use
LDPE (4)	High	Bread bags, squeeze bottles	Safe for intended use
PP (5)	High	Reusable containers, hot food storage	Safe for repeated use
Glass	Highest	All food storage	Preferred choice
PVC (3)	Low	Food wrap	Avoid for food contact
PS (6)	Low	Disposable containers	Avoid when possible

Glass is the safest material for food storage due to its non-reactive nature ^[14]. Among plastics, those labeled with codes 1, 2, 4, or 5 are considered safer options for food contact ^[13].

It’s worth noting that global plastics production hit 460 million tons in 2019 – a staggering 230-fold increase over the past 70 years. Packaging alone accounts for 42% of this usage ^[13]. This highlights the importance of making informed choices when it comes to food-safe materials.

Safety Certification Labels

FDA Contact Substance Lists

To ensure food packaging materials meet safety standards, it’s essential to follow the FDA’s guidelines for food contact substances. These resources help verify compliance with FDA specifications, providing a solid foundation for safe packaging practices ^[16]. Additionally, independent third-party certifications can add an extra layer of validation for packaging safety.

Independent Safety Certifiers

NSF International provides a well-known certification under NSF/ANSI 51. This process involves regular facility inspections, product testing, and on-site audits conducted every 6 to 12 months ^[17].

Certifier	Certification Type	Requirements	Verification Process
NSF International	NSF/ANSI 51	Regular inspections and product testing	On-site audits every 6–12 months [17]

 

“NSF certification is your key to making sure that the products you use meet strict standards for public health protection” ^[17].

Green and Safe Certifications

Certifications focused on environmental safety often go hand-in-hand with food safety standards. For instance, the Non-GMO Project Verified label assures consumers that plant-based materials are free from genetically modified components ^[18].

However, as Brian Ronholm, food policy director for Consumer Reports, points out:

“Unfortunately, the burden is always on the consumer in terms of evaluating the veracity of the label, doing the research to see whether the information on these labels is properly supported and accurate” ^[19].

Consumer interest in sustainability and safety is growing rapidly. Research shows that 82% of shoppers now prioritize products that align with these values ^[19]. The USDA Organic certification is another example, requiring products to contain at least 95% organic ingredients ^[15].

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Safety Testing Methods

Chemical Safety Tests

Chemical safety tests are essential for identifying harmful substances that might leach into food. Techniques like GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) are used for detecting volatile compounds, while LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) is ideal for non-volatile, heat-sensitive materials ^[20].

Test Method	Best For	Key Benefits
GC-MS	Volatile compounds	Extensive spectral libraries, high resolution
LC-MS	Non-volatile substances	Ideal for heat-sensitive substances
ICP-MS	Trace elements	Precise metal detection

A 2017 study highlighted the effectiveness of GC-TOF-MS (Gas Chromatography-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry) in screening packaging for leachable compounds ^[21]. Beyond chemical testing, physical evaluations ensure the structural safety of packaging.

Physical Safety Checks

Physical tests focus on the structural integrity of packaging, identifying risks like sharp edges or weak spots. These hazards can lead to issues such as cuts, choking, or ingestion of fragments, which may result in costly recalls ^[22].

For instance, a skincare company once faced packaging degradation when its alcohol-based toner compromised the plastic material. After conducting compatibility tests, the company identified the issue and switched to PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) packaging. This change not only prevented potential recalls but also protected the brand’s reputation ^[23].

Basic Safety Test Tools

In addition to chemical and physical tests, basic tools play a vital role in verifying the daily performance of packaging. Companies like Industrial Physics offer systems for evaluating seal integrity and moisture barrier performance ^[24]. When choosing testing equipment, consider these factors:

Consideration	Recommendation	Benefit
Scalability	Opt for upgradeable systems	Prepares for future needs
Cost Management	Explore equipment rental	Controls expenses during peak periods
Sustainability	Select eco-friendly options	Minimizes environmental impact

Regular calibration of testing equipment is critical to ensure accurate results ^[24]. Since testing needs differ based on materials, it’s important to select tools tailored to your specific packaging requirements.

Safe Packaging Design Guidelines

Tamper Protection Features

Tamper protection plays a critical role in preventing tampering and reducing counterfeit risks, which are estimated to cost $1.7–$4.5 trillion annually ^[26]. According to the 2023 McKinsey & Company Sustainability in Packaging Survey, 75% of U.S. consumers place a high priority on hygiene and food safety ^[26].

Tamper protection can be categorized into three levels:

Protection Level	Features	Application
Level One	Basic package in a sealed bag	Low-risk dry goods
Level Two	Adhesive labels and seals	Medium-risk packaged foods
Level Three	Shrink bands and foil seals	High-risk perishables

A notable example of the importance of tamper protection is the 1982 Tylenol incident, where tampered capsules tragically caused seven deaths. This event spurred the widespread adoption of foil seals and plastic bands as industry standards ^[26].

“Tamper protection is the most effective way to know that food is safe for consumption. Among the various types of tamper protection, the most effective are foods packed in containers that include both tamper evidence and tamper resistance. The customer can see that their food arrived safely and that you care.” ^[25]

Next, let’s explore how temperature control in packaging safeguards food quality.

Temperature Control Methods

Maintaining the right temperature during storage and transportation is essential for preserving food quality. Innovative solutions, such as wool-based liners, provide excellent insulation while being environmentally friendly ^[27].

Here’s a quick breakdown of recommended temperature ranges and packaging for different food types:

Food Type	Optimal Temperature	Recommended Packaging
Fresh Meat/Fish	40°F (4°C) or below	Insulated containers with gel packs
Frozen Foods	0°F (-18°C)	Heavy-duty EPS with dry ice
Dairy Products	39°F (3.3°C)	Woolcool liners with ice packs

These methods work hand-in-hand with other packaging safeguards to ensure food safety and quality.

Food Label Requirements

The FDA requires detailed labeling for most prepared foods, with a growing focus on front-of-package (FOP) nutrition labels to address rising healthcare costs ^[28]. Research shows that 87% of U.S. consumers regularly check nutrition facts labels when purchasing food ^[29].

Here are the key elements required on food labels:

Required Element	Description	Location
Statement of Identity	Product name or description	Principal display panel
Ingredient List	Ingredients listed by weight in descending order	Information panel
Business Information	Manufacturer or distributor details	Information panel
Nutrition Facts	Data on saturated fat, sodium, and related metrics	Designated nutrition panel

Safety Checks and Record Keeping

Ensuring packaging safety goes beyond design and testing – it requires a solid system for inspections and meticulous record keeping.

Safety Inspection Lists

Safety inspections guided by HACCP principles focus on critical areas to maintain high standards:

Inspection Area	Key Checks
Material Testing	Chemical migration; structural integrity
Production Environment	Air quality; sanitation
Process Controls	Temperature monitoring; seal integrity
Documentation	Employee training records; certification updates

 

Material Safety Records

Accurate management of safety certificates and material documentation is essential. Digital tools can streamline this process, improving efficiency and accuracy ^[30]. Key material safety records include:

Document Type	Essentials
Safety Data Sheets	Material composition; safety ratings
Supplier Certifications	FDA approvals; compliance status
Test Results	Findings from migration tests; contamination checks

Maintaining well-organized and accessible records is not only critical for audits but also supports compliance efforts. Digital tracking systems offer a modern solution to simplify and enhance this process.

Safety Documentation Systems

Modern digital systems take record keeping to the next level, offering improved oversight and efficiency. For example, Santa Monica Seafood reduced documentation time by 45% after adopting the Safefood 360° digital management system ^[31].

Key features of an effective digital system include:

Feature	Purpose	Business Impact
Real-time Monitoring	Instant detection of issues	Enhances response time
Cloud Storage	Easy access to compliance records	Saves over $23,000 annually
Automated Alerts	Monitors critical control points	Facilitates prompt issue resolution

 

“You cannot build a holistic food safety program without capturing every piece of data that’s important to every aspect of business, from accounting to logistics, to warehousing.” – Josh Svenhard, CEO, Eurobake ^[32]

For businesses to maintain the highest safety standards, a comprehensive compliance management system is essential. This should include protocols for testing and certification, detailed record-keeping, and staying updated with regulatory changes ^[2]. Together, these practices form a strong foundation for ensuring food safety throughout the packaging lifecycle.

Conclusion: Food Safety and Brand Protection

Food-safe packaging isn’t just about meeting regulations; it’s about earning trust and ensuring long-term business success. With the global food packaging market expected to hit $512 billion by 2028 ^[34], the importance of prioritizing safety measures has never been clearer.

The industry is shifting toward greater safety and transparency. For example, Restaurant Brands International pledged in March 2022 to eliminate added PFAS from all guest-facing packaging by 2025. This move reflects how major companies are answering consumer calls for safer materials ^[33]. Such efforts not only protect consumers but also deliver measurable business advantages, as outlined below:

Impact Area	Benefits	Results
Market Performance	BRCGS Certification	40% fewer recalls [35]
Competitive Edge	Access to Global Markets	60% boost in competitiveness [35]
Financial Growth	Product Innovation	6% rise in profitability [35]

 

“Ensuring your products are safe is good for business – reinforcing investor, retailer and consumer confidence while building brand trust and reducing liability.” – EDF+Business ^[33]

Consumer behavior is also driving this shift, with 68% of shoppers prioritizing packaging safety when making purchasing decisions ^[34]. This growing awareness underscores a broader global focus on safety and environmental accountability.

To achieve food-safe packaging, consider these key practices:

• Conduct regular testing and verification of materials
• Maintain thorough safety documentation
• Build transparent relationships with suppliers
• Implement strong quality control systems

Frequently Asked Questions