Here are some reasons why:
Why would a food-grade product be considered unsafe? Is there a difference between food-grade and food-safe? Shouldn’t it mean the same thing? These may be some of your initial thoughts. So let me explain this a little further.
Food-grade means that the material is fit for human consumption or permitted to come in contact with food. 21 CFR 174-178 for example, can be used to verify if a certain material is an appropriately regulated indirect additive and considered GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) for its intended use. But what about if those materials are used for something other than its intended use? This is a critical factor that is often overlooked.
Just because that material is considered food-grade, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is food-safe if it is used for an unintended purpose. Food-safe means that the material is fit for its current purpose and will not be a food safety risk as long as it is used according to the manufacturer’s directions. For example, it may be acceptable to use a food-grade container to hold a dry ingredient but that same container may become hazardous if used to hold a hot liquid. Section
117.40 in Subpart B
of FSMA (do you have a link to this we can use?) states: “Food-contact surfaces must be made of nontoxic materials and designed to withstand the environment of their intended use and the action of food, and, if applicable, cleaning compounds, sanitizing agents, and cleaning procedures.”
Food manufacturers are being called upon more than ever to prove that food contact materials are indeed safe and “fit for purpose” or safe for its intended use. Simply having a certificate of conformance stating that your food contact materials are food-grade may no longer be acceptable. Some of you may have already experienced this issue during a recent GFSI audit. Auditors commonly request evidence that, along with a certificate of conformance, the food contact materials are also safe to use under the conditions in which you will use them. So, requesting additional verification from your supplier that those food contact materials are safe and fit for purpose in your process can provide extra comfort to you, your auditor and regulators. This supplementary information can also provide a little extra science which can be incorporated into your HACCP plan hazard analysis and help with a more in-depth food-safety risk assessment.
So, what additional questions should you be asking your suppliers of food-grade materials? Some common questions are:
Another consideration is how the material is constructed. Does it have tiny pieces or parts that can be removed during use, such as a pail with an attached handle that can accidentally be separated from the pail and enter the product stream as a foreign material? What about a cleaning brush that often loses its bristles. Is the material/equipment a single piece or does it have seams that are not smooth and easily cleanable? When evaluating these items, always make sure they are designed to hold up in a food facility and will not create a food safety risk. If not designed properly and fit for purpose, it can be ineffective and increase a food-safety risk. Choosing materials that are “food-safe” can be just as important as choosing materials that are “food-grade."
Have you ever heard this phrase: “it’s only a trash can if you put trash in it”? What do you think that means? It often means that trash containers may be used to hold food ingredients or products intended for human consumption. Is there a potential risk in that situation? How do you know the container is safe for food contact? That is obviously not the intended use and adulteration of product may be in question.
So how would you determine if the food contact material is “food-safe”? Luckily, third-party certification companies do exist that verify food equipment and/or food contact materials are “food-safe”. Examples of those companies include: HACCP International, NSF and 3A. If any of your food-grade/food contact materials do not have one of these certifications, then the food safety team should evaluate the potential hazards of these materials to make sure they are fit for purpose in your operation. This risk assessment should be documented and kept with your supporting documents to show due diligence.
So the next time you meet with your food safety team, challenge them to identify all of the food-contact materials in your facility and ask the important question “Is this truly food-safe and fit for purpose?"
Contact us if you have questions about this article or any food safety issue.
For food to remain safe during shipping and fresh while on the grocery store shelves, the right packaging is essential, and plastics are lightweight, inexpensive, and durable. However, not all plastics are deemed safe to come in contact with consumables, whether as packaging or for use in small appliances and other food-related items. To help you choose the right material for your next project, from yogurt containers to blender pitchers, our thermoforming company is sharing a closer look at food-grade plastics.
Because some foods are acidic, such as tomatoes or fruits, they can actually break down containers allowing chemicals to leach into the food or beverage. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has studied plastics to determine if a material is safe to use and free of "technical effects" that could affect the food's taste, quality, and especially its safety towards people. Also, food-safe plastics must show excellent resistance to wear and impact, high strength, and excellent dimensional stability.
First, let's take a look at the five most common thermoplastics used for food packaging.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a lightweight, transparent polymer that repels microorganisms, doesn't break down or corrode, and is inexpensive. Also, unlike most other materials, PET can be used in its recycled form as well as its "virgin" state.
This plastic is most often used for single-serve bottles for juice, water, or soda and lightweight jars for honey, peanut butter, and jelly.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a durable polymer that offers excellent scratch resistance and impact resistance, especially given that it's very lightweight and easy to mold and shape. This food-grade plastic is often used for milk jugs, yogurt containers, and food storage containers.
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is very tough and flexible, and it also resists reacting to acidic and alkaline substances. Because it remains durable even when used in it's thinnest film application, LDPE is often used for shrink wrap, bread bags, produce bags, and grocery bags.
Polypropylene (PP) is durable, flexible, and chemical resistant, but while it's rigid, it's not brittle, so it's less likely to crack or break. It's often used as an alternative to HDPE, so you'll find polypropylene is an excellent option for yogurt and other dairy containers, while its high melting point makes it an ideal material for microwavable meals.
Polystyrene can be used as a foam material, making it lightweight and insulating for hot beverages and takeout containers. In its more rigid form, polystyrene is used for plastic cutlery and clear plates, bowls, and food containers. In either form, it's strong in compression, so it offers protection against being crushed or dropped and it's lightweight and inexpensive.
In addition to food-safe plastic for packaging, it's also important to consider other materials that need to be food safe. This includes items like refrigerator liners, small appliances, and food transportation containers. These kinds of plastics include:
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene or ABS is not used in packaging, but it is used for lining freezers and refrigerators. Its excellent resistance to impact, abrasion, and low temperatures make it ideal for this use as well as for creating insulating containers used in food transportation.
Acrylic makes an excellent substitute for glass at a lower cost, lighter weight, and improved impact resistance. This material is often used for mixing bowls, blender pitchers, and cooking tools.
Polycarbonate is another glass substitute due to its remarkable clarity and resistance to impact and scratching. Polycarbonate may also be used in small appliances as well as reusable water bottles and hospital trays.
When you need food packaging, small appliance casing, or other custom plastics, reach out to Advanced Plastiform, Inc. We offer both thermoforming and injection molding services to companies in a variety of industries and can help you design, develop, and manufacture your products, parts, and packaging. Our company serves clients in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Tennessee, Georgia, and Virginia.
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