Food safety is paramount in packaging. Understanding and complying with international food safety regulations is essential for any brand selling food products. This guide covers the key standards and requirements for flexible food packaging.
FDA Regulations (United States)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates food contact materials through several mechanisms:
Food Contact Notification (FCN)
New food contact substances must receive FDA approval through the FCN process, ensuring materials are safe for their intended use.
21 CFR Part 175 - Adhesives and Components
Regulates adhesives used in food packaging, ensuring they don't migrate harmful substances into food.
21 CFR Part 177 - Polymers
Establishes requirements for plastic materials used in food contact applications, including migration limits and good manufacturing practices.
EU Regulations (European Union)
EU food packaging regulations are among the strictest globally:
Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004
Framework regulation requiring all food contact materials to be safe and not transfer constituents to food in quantities that could endanger human health.
Regulation (EU) No 10/2011
Specific measures for plastic materials and articles, including positive lists of authorized substances and migration limits.
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
Regulation (EC) No 2023/2006 requires food contact materials to be manufactured according to GMP principles.
Key Compliance Requirements
1. Migration Testing
Packaging materials must be tested to ensure substances don't migrate into food above specified limits. This includes:
- Overall migration limits (OML)
- Specific migration limits (SML) for individual substances
- Testing under intended use conditions
2. Material Composition
Only approved materials and additives can be used in food contact applications. Manufacturers must maintain detailed records of material composition.
3. Traceability
Complete traceability from raw materials to finished packaging is required, enabling rapid response to safety concerns.
4. Declaration of Compliance
Suppliers must provide documentation confirming compliance with applicable regulations.
International Standards
ISO 22000
Food safety management system standard applicable to packaging manufacturers, ensuring systematic approach to food safety.
BRC Global Standard for Packaging
Comprehensive standard covering food safety, quality, and legal compliance for packaging materials.
FSSC 22000
Food Safety System Certification combining ISO 22000 with additional requirements for packaging materials.
Best Practices
- Work only with certified suppliers
- Maintain detailed material documentation
- Conduct regular migration testing
- Implement quality control systems
- Stay updated on regulatory changes
- Train staff on food safety requirements
NIAITE's Commitment to Food Safety
At NIAITE, we maintain:
- ISO 22000 certification
- FDA-compliant materials
- EU-compliant formulations
- Comprehensive testing programs
- Full traceability systems
- Regular compliance audits
All our food packaging solutions meet or exceed international food safety standards, giving you confidence in your product safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are FDA food safety regulations for packaging?
The FDA regulates food contact materials through Food Contact Notification (FCN), 21 CFR Part 175 (adhesives), and 21 CFR Part 177 (polymers). These regulations ensure materials are safe for food contact and don't migrate harmful substances. NIAITE's food packaging meets all FDA requirements.
What are EU food packaging regulations?
EU regulations include Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 (framework requiring safe food contact materials), Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 (specific measures for plastics), and GMP requirements. These are among the strictest global regulations. NIAITE's packaging complies with all EU standards.
What is migration testing?
Migration testing ensures packaging materials don't transfer substances into food above specified limits. This includes overall migration limits (OML) and specific migration limits (SML) for individual substances. NIAITE conducts comprehensive migration testing to ensure compliance.
What certifications does NIAITE have for food safety?
NIAITE maintains ISO 22000 certification (food safety management), FDA-compliant materials, EU-compliant formulations, comprehensive testing programs, full traceability systems, and regular compliance audits. All our food packaging solutions meet or exceed international food safety standards.
What is ISO 22000 certification?
ISO 22000 is a food safety management system standard applicable to packaging manufacturers. It ensures a systematic approach to food safety through hazard analysis, critical control points, and continuous improvement. NIAITE is ISO 22000 certified.