Food contact compliance

Food contact compliance means demonstrating that a packaging material, under its intended conditions of use, does not transfer substances to food in amounts that could endanger health, change the food's composition unacceptably, or spoil its taste and smell. It is often loosely called "food grade".

It depends on use

A pouch suitable for dry snacks may not be suitable for oily, acidic or alcoholic foods, or for hot filling. Compliance is assessed against the food type, contact time and temperature.

Rules and evidence

In the EU and Türkiye, plastics are assessed under frameworks aligned with EU Regulation 10/2011; exports to the US may require FDA compliance. Evidence typically includes supplier declarations for films, inks and adhesives, overall and specific migration tests at accredited labs, a written Declaration of Compliance (DoC) from the converter, and good manufacturing practice.

Practical tips

Tell your converter exactly what the product is, how it is filled and how it is stored, and ask for the Declaration of Compliance and recent migration reports. Check that the DoC covers your food type and temperature. Retailers and inspectors frequently ask for these documents, and any change to the structure may require a fresh assessment.