Food-grade plastic: which materials are safe for contact with food

Not all plastics are suitable for food contact. Here’s how to choose a material that meets the requirements. Choosing the right plastic ensures both food safety and long-term reliability in the production environment.

What does ‘food-grade’ mean?

A food-grade plastic material has been developed and documented as being safe for contact with food. This means that the material does not release substances into the food in quantities that pose a health risk.

In Europe, this is regulated by Regulations (EC) No 1935/2004 and (EU) No 10/2011. An approved material must have a migration certificate showing that it meets the requirements for the temperature and type of food with which it is to be used.

It is not enough for the material to be made from the same polymer. Additives, colourings and production processes must also be approved. You should therefore always choose a grade that is explicitly classified for food contact.

Common food-grade plastics

PE-HD is one of the most common food-grade plastics. It is used for chopping boards, trays and transport components because it is durable, easy to clean and approved for food contact.

PA6 and POM C are also available in food-grade grades. They are used for machine parts, wheels, gear wheels and other technical components within the food industry. PEEK is used for high-temperature applications where other materials are not suitable.

PTFE is also available in food-grade quality. It is used for seals, gaskets and coatings in equipment that handles food.

Requirements for cleaning and documentation

Components that come into contact with food must be easy to clean. The surface must be smooth and free from cracks where bacteria can grow. For this reason, materials that can withstand cleaning agents and heat are selected.

When purchasing materials for food applications, you should always request a certificate or verify that the material is classified for this purpose. Standard colours may differ from the technical grades. White or natural-coloured PE-HD is common in food environments.

Also bear in mind that finished components may be affected by lubricants, cleaning agents and processing residues. Ensure that the production environment also meets food safety requirements.

Common applications

In the food industry, food-grade plastic is used for chopping boards, conveyor belt guides, wheels, gear wheels and machine guards. The material must be able to withstand both the food itself and the cleaning required.

For contact with high-fat or acidic foods, you should check the material’s resistance. Some plastics may react with fat or acid and are therefore not suitable for all types of food.

Next steps

Do you need food-grade plastic? Read about PE-HD, see our solutions for the food industry or contact us for guidance.

Scratches, joints and surfaces

Surfaces that come into contact with food must be smooth and free from cracks. Seams and joints must be tight and easy to clean. For this reason, welded PE-HD constructions are often used instead of bolted joints.

The colour of the material can affect the visibility of dirt and wear. Light colours make it easier to spot contamination, which is an advantage in a food environment.

Replacement and maintenance

All plastic components wear out over time. Food-grade plastic should be replaced before the surface becomes so worn that bacteria can adhere to it. Plan maintenance and inspection based on how frequently the component is used.

When replacing a component, choose the same or a higher quality. Never switch to a non-food-grade plastic in an application that comes into contact with food.

How to document food contact

When selecting plastics for food contact, you should always request a document proving that the material is approved. This may be a declaration of compliance, a data sheet or a certificate from the manufacturer. Keep the document so that you can produce it during audits.

Bear in mind that the approval applies to specific temperatures, food types and contact times. A plastic approved for cold storage may not be suitable for oven temperatures. Always check that the grade is suitable for your specific application.

If the component is to be machined after delivery, for example turned or welded, its surface properties may change. Ensure that the machining method does not adversely affect its suitability for food contact.

How to choose the right food-grade plastic

Food-grade plastics require the right choice of material and documentation. Check that the grade is approved for your application and that you have the necessary documentation to provide.

Do you need help choosing the right food-grade plastic? Contact us and we’ll go through the requirements together.

Frequently asked questions

What does ‘food-grade plastic’ mean? It means that the material complies with regulations for safe contact with food without leaching harmful substances.

Do I need documentation? Yes, you should always keep documentation showing that the material is approved for your specific use.

Are all colours food-grade? No, only specific grades and colours are certified. Always check before ordering.

Can food-grade plastic be recycled? Yes, many food-grade plastics can be recycled as a material stream. Check that the recycled material still meets the requirements for your application.