Food-safe plastics: a basic guide

When a company in the food sector selects plastic materials for its processes, it's not just choosing a technical component. It's making a decision that directly impacts product safety, regulatory compliance, and brand reputation.

Not all industrial plastics are suitable for food contact. Using the wrong material can lead to substance migration, cross-contamination, or non-compliance with health regulations.

This basic guide explains which plastics are suitable for contact with food, how to identify them, and what applications they are used in.

• What does it mean for a plastic to be suitable for contact with food?

A food-grade plastic is one that complies with specific regulations that guarantee it does not transfer toxic substances, contaminants, or compounds that alter food.

In most international markets, this involves complying with regulations such as:

• FDA (Food and Drug Administration) regulation in the United States.
• Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 in the European Union.
• Applicable local health regulations depending on the country.

The material must demonstrate that it does not release harmful compounds under normal conditions of use, temperature and cleaning.

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• Main food-grade plastics in the industry
  

In industrial applications, the most commonly used food contact materials include:

Polyethylene (PE)

Food-grade polyethylene is widely used in industrial cutting boards, conveyor guides, hoppers, and machined parts. Its low moisture absorption and chemical resistance make it ideal for humid environments.

Polypropylene (PP)

Food-grade polypropylene offers good thermal and chemical resistance. It is commonly used in packaging, trays, technical parts, and components that require frequent cleaning.

PTFE (Teflon)

Food-grade PTFE is used in seals, gaskets, and non-stick coatings where high heat resistance and low friction surface are required.

Food-grade nylon

Some specific nylon formulations meet FDA requirements and are used in gears and lightweight structural parts.

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• Typical industrial applications

Food-grade plastics are used in:

• Food processing and transport lines.
• Guides and rails in bottling plants.
• Machinery parts in direct contact with the product.
• Working and cutting surfaces.
• Components in packaging systems.

In all cases, the material must be resistant to cleaning products, disinfection and temperature variations.

• Common mistakes when selecting food-grade plastics

One of the most common mistakes is assuming that any white plastic is food-grade. Color does not guarantee certification.

Another mistake is failing to verify current technical documentation or FDA certification. The supplier must provide supporting documentation.

It is also common to select a material suitable for dry contact and use it in applications with heat or steam without validating its thermal resistance.

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• How to choose the right plastic

Before selecting a material, it is advisable to evaluate:

• Type of food (dry, wet, fatty).
• Operating temperature.
• Frequency of washing or disinfection.
• Regulatory market requirements.
• Type of mechanical stress that the part will withstand.

Choosing correctly not only avoids health sanctions, but also improves equipment durability and reduces operational risks.

At Suimtec we advise on the selection of certified food-grade plastics, offering materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene and PTFE suitable for contact with food, complying with international regulations.