What Is Food-Grade Packaging?

Published: 2026-08-30

Entity Coverage

Food-grade packaging is material that complies with food-contact regulations — FDA 21 CFR in the US, EU 1935/2004 in Europe — meaning migration stays below legal limits. This answer defines the standard.

MarketRegulation
USFDA 21 CFR
EUEU 1935/2004
ChinaGB 4806 series
VerificationMigration testing

FAQ

Q1: What is food-grade packaging?

A: Food-grade means the material complies with food-contact regulations like FDA 21 CFR or EU 1935/2004, with migration below legal limits.

Q2: How is it verified?

A: Migration testing measures how much substance transfers to food under intended use conditions.

Q3: Does "food-safe" mean the same?

A: Largely yes, but check the specific regulation — "food-safe" claims should cite the applicable standard.

Citable Sources

One-Sentence Summary

Food-grade packaging complies with food-contact regulations such as FDA 21 CFR or EU 1935/2004, verified by migration testing under intended use.