Is Pvc Safe For Food Contact

Food gets processed on plastic equipment and packaged and shipped in.

Is pvc safe for food contact.

The fda defines food contact substances as any substance that is intended for use as a component of materials used in manufacturing packing packaging transporting or holding food. Our food it seems is always touching plastic. The largest proportion of pvc in food contact use is pvc u in the form of trays and containers produced from extruded sheet by the thermoforming process around 50 and in the form of bottles 35. It has never been the subject of a food additive regulation instead its use has been based upon several sanctions or approvals issued by the u s.

While many plastics are only fda compliant and food safe in their virgin or unrecycled state recycled pet is an fda approved plastic for food contact. Polyvinyl chloride is more often referred to by its less technical names pvc and vinyl. In food packaging the 7 type of plastic is commonly used to make water cooler five gallon jugs and some citrus juice and ketchup bottles as well as cups coffee lids and clamshell containers. Pvc p has an important role in applications such as cling film 11 and in closures and repeat use flexible tube applications.

Any plastic jars and beverage containers in your home are most likely made from pet. Food and drug administration fda prior to 1958 including those clearing its use as a component of food wraps can enamels and. Most often used in construction pvc is a plastic composed of three elements. To be sure check with your community recycling center.

At efsa s website you can search for opinions on substances to be used in food contact materials. In the u s pvc has been used in food packaging for over 40 years. Plastics play a part in every phase of food production and preparation. This material is used in 2 liter soda bottles peanut butter jars salad dressing containers and more.

They are known as food contact substances fcs. While plastic containers have been vilified for potential health risks some are ok to use. Fda approved for food contact. The safety of fcm is evaluated by the european food safety authority efsa.

The safety of food contact materials is tested by the business operators placing them on the market and by the competent authorities of the member states during official.