Food grade plastic serves as a crucial protective shield for consumer health. In the modern production and transportation supply chain, ensuring that packaging materials do not degrade, change odors, or affect product quality is a strict requirement, both legally and technically. At EPP Vietnam, as a leading global supplier of Jumbo bags and PP woven bags, we process thousands of tons of virgin plastic resin annually. Our extensive experience in supplying high-end food packaging has proven that choosing the right plastic resin is not only about complying with regulations, but also about protecting consumers and preventing costly product recalls.
This technical article provides an in-depth look at evaluating food-contact plastics, outlining their structural characteristics, regulatory standards, and stringent safety parameters necessary to maintain food safety throughout the global supply chain.
What is food grade plastic?
To accurately assess these materials, we first need a precise definition. Food-grade plastic is any type of plastic that has been officially certified as safe for direct and prolonged contact with food and beverages. Unlike conventional industrial plastics, these are synthesized under extremely strict controlled conditions to ensure superior chemical stability.
The goal of food grade plastic is to prevent or minimize “chemical migration.” When plastic containers come into contact with food—especially at high temperatures, in acidic environments, or with high-fat foods—there is a risk that unreacted base components, catalysts, or chemical additives may leach into the product. Food-grade certified plastics are formulated to remain structurally inert, ensuring that no harmful substances leach into food and beverages, even under significant stress from transportation or long-term storage.
Common Types of Food Grade Plastic
The plastics industry uses the Plastic Identification Code (RIC) system to categorize polymers. When manufacturing food-contact packaging, the following plastics are dominant due to their naturally inert structure:
1. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET / PETE – Code 1)
PET is a highly stable, lightweight plastic primarily used for disposable retail applications such as soft drink bottles, condiment jars, and transparent food trays. It has excellent oxygen impermeability, helping to maintain product freshness. However, technically, it is only designed for disposable applications; reuse or continuous exposure to high temperatures can alter and damage the structure of this plastic.
2. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE – Code 2)
HDPE is a rigid plastic with high strength and superior chemical resistance. It is commonly used for baby bottles, juice bottles, and large food containers. Because of its moisture resistance and acid abrasion resistance, HDPE is an extremely popular food grade plastic in both retail and industrial food packaging, with exceptionally low risk of chemical leaching.
3. Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE – Code 4)
LDPE possesses high toughness and impact resistance, making it the standard choice for squeeze bottles, bread bags, agricultural product bags, and stretchable food wraps. While not as heat-resistant as some other plastics, it provides an excellent moisture barrier for storage at room temperature and in cold storage.
4. Polypropylene (PP – Code 5)
Polypropylene (PP) is a tough, heat-resistant polymer with a high melting point, making it the optimal food grade plastic for microwaveable containers, yogurt containers, and reusable takeout food containers. At EPP Vietnam, we use premium virgin PP resin to weave our range of industrial jumbo bags for the food industry. Its superior tensile strength and ability to withstand high temperatures without leaching make PP plastic the backbone of the global food logistics industry.
Quick Reference: Food Grade plastic Performance Matrix
| Resin Code | Polymer Type | Key Material Attributes | Temperature Safety Range | Primary Applications |
| Code 1 | PET | High clarity, excellent gas & aroma barrier, rigid. | Cold to Ambient (Max: ~70°C / 158°F) | Soda/water bottles, salad dressing jars, biscuit trays. |
| Code 2 | HDPE | Opaque/translucent, high chemical resistance, impact-tough. | Freezer to Hot Fill (Max: ~120°C / 248°F) | Milk jugs, grocery bags, industrial bulk food drums. |
| Code 4 | LDPE | Highly flexible, transparent, high elongation, moisture-proof. | Freezer to Ambient (Max: ~80°C / 176°F) | Cling film, bread bags, squeezable condiment bottles. |
| Code 5 | PP | High melting point, chemically inert, exceptional fatigue resistance. | Microwave / High Heat (Max: ~140°C / 284°F) |
Which Plastic Number Should I Avoid?
During supply chain audits to ensure food safety, several groups of plastics pose unacceptable toxic risks and should be removed from the list of materials in direct contact with food:
• Polyvinyl Chloride – PVC (Code 3): PVC often contains added plasticizers (such as phthalates) to increase flexibility. These chemicals easily leach into foods high in oil or fat and have been warned as endocrine disruptors. Absolutely do not use PVC for storing or heating food.
•Polystyrene – PS (Code 6): Widely known as Styrofoam, PS is easily degraded by heat. When exposed to high temperatures or fats, it can leach styrene—a suspected carcinogen—directly into hot liquids or food.
• Other / Composite Plastics (Code 7): This composite group includes polycarbonate plastics, which used Bisphenol A (BPA) in their synthesis. Unless explicitly certified as “BPA-Free,” Code 7 plastics must undergo extremely rigorous testing or be completely removed from food contact.
Global Frameworks & Safety Standards for food grade plastic
A material cannot simply label itself as food grade plastic without rigorous third-party inspection and compliance testing. Global supply chains today typically adhere to two main legal pillars:
FDA (United States) Regulatory Framework
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates substances that come into contact with food under the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR Title 21). The FDA clearly lists the types of plastics, catalysts, and additives permitted for use, and sets strict limits on the level of chemical leaching based on expected temperature and type of food.
EFSA (European Union) Regulatory Framework
European regulations are governed by EU Regulation No. 10/2011, which establishes a “Positive List” of substances permitted for use. The EU strictly applies the Overall Migration Limit (OML) of 10 mg of total substances per 1 dm² of contact surface, along with the Specific Migration Limit (SML) for individual compounds such as heavy metals or formaldehyde.
Industrial Cleanroom Standards
At EPP Vietnam, our Jumbo bags for the food industry are manufactured in a strictly controlled cleanroom environment. Every production stage—from yarn extrusion and weaving to cutting and sewing—is closely monitored to completely prevent any risk of physical, chemical, or biological contamination. This ensures that the products always meet prestigious international food safety management standards such as BRCGS and ISO 22000.
Expert FAQ
How to identify food grade plastic?
You can identify food-grade plastic by looking for the international symbol of Glass and Fork symbol embossed directly on the material’s surface. In addition, checking the Plastic Identification Code (Code 1, 2, 4, or 5) provides a basic basis; however, for industrial applications, businesses always need to request a Food Contact Conformity Certificate (DoC) from the manufacturer.
Is Plastic #5 safe for food?
Yes, Plastic #5 (Polypropylene) is extremely safe for food and is widely recommended. Its high heat resistance, chemical inertness, and superior structural strength make PP plastic completely safe for reusable food storage containers, microwave use, and transporting raw agricultural products in heavy-duty packaging.
Does foodgrade plastic contain BPA or other carcinogens?
True Food Grade Plastic synthesized from clean resin codes (like HDPE or PP) does not contain Bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, or known carcinogens. BPA was previously found primarily in older polycarbonate plastics belonging to Group 7. Modern regulations now require rigorous testing to ensure the absence of these harmful compounds.
What is the difference between food grade plastic and regular plastic?
The core difference lies in the purity of the plastic resin and the accompanying additives. Regular industrial plastics may use recycled components of unknown origin, colorants containing heavy metals, or chemical stabilizers with a high risk of leaching. In contrast, food-grade plastics must use 100% virgin plastic resin, undergo rigorous leaching tests, and be manufactured under medically approved hygienic conditions to completely eliminate residual toxins.
Conclusion
Accurately evaluating and selecting food-grade plastics is a mandatory requirement to protect the integrity of your product quality and brand reputation. From compact retail packaging to heavy-duty shipping packaging, understanding the properties of plastic materials will ensure a safe, compliant, and highly efficient supply chain.
At EPP Vietnam, we design and manufacture high-quality food-grade certified Jumbo FIBCs in a state-of-the-art cleanroom system, meeting the most stringent global standards. Contact our technical team today to review your food packaging strategy and receive expert advice on legal compliance.
