Food grade definition and types of food grade plastics

What is food grade?

Plastic is an amazing versatile substance with elemental origin. Elements of periodic table like carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur are main elements of plastic types. Some plastics are used in different products like dishes, household appliances, technical equipment, etc. Plastics is resistant to bacteria in food packaging and medical equipment.

What is food grade plastic?

Food grade plastic is safe plastic for food. Every packaging plastic that contacts with food in long term is food grade plastic. Food should be in suitable dishes. Some foods or acidic liquids transfer chemicals from dishes.

Food, Drug and Cosmetic law is approved by Food and Drug Organization and Ministry of Health. It introduces a suitable substance for food contact. It is a material used in production, packaging, storage and transportation. This does not have dangerous effect on human health and food or drink.

Reason of plastic use for food packaging

Plastics are used in many food packaging and dishes for different reasons. They protect food, provide food safety and increase food freshness.

How do we know about food packaging plastic safety? Is it toxic?

There is no diagnostic method except testing. Health Organization and Ministry of Medicine determines product quality and possibility of food contact with Sibe Salamat and other health permits.

What are food grade plastic types?

You should not be plastic expert to understand its possibility for food contact. The easiest way is to know resin identification code (recycling number) for plastic material determination. This is an arrow triangle that surrounds a number between 1 and 7.

PETE or PET

Polyethylene terephthalate PETE or PET is a hard or semi-hard light plastic. It is more impact resistant and protects food or liquids in package. Pet is used for soft drinks packaging, sports drinks, water, etc. PETE or PET is recyclable and safe for food.

Nylex HDPE

Polyethylene with high density is a light hard opaque plastic. HDPE is used in packaging food like juice, milk pitcher, butter packaging, vinegar , liquid chocolate, food bags with handle. HDPE is recyclable and safe for food.

Nylon LDPE

Polyethylene with low density (LDPE) is thinner than other resins. It has high thermal resistance. LDPE is tough and flexible. It is used in film practical programs for thermal sealing. There are rigid applications for LDPE.

LDPE use

LDPE is used in food packaging like coffee can lid, bread bags, packs of drinks, vegetable and fruit bags for food stores. HDPE is recyclable and safe for food in nylon film (flexible), but compressed injection types are unsafe.

PVC

Chlorine is the raw material in producing Polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is an ordinary plastic. It is biologically and chemically resistant and preserve product integrity of medicine.

What is PVC use?

Clear vinyl is used in packaging products like non-prescription drugs that are resistant to manipulation. It is used in packaging blister (package with plastic cavity or pocket) like breath mint and chewing gum. PVC is recyclable and safe for food.

PP Polypropylene (Cellophane)

Polypropylene (PP) is rather hard but more fragile than other plastics. It may be produced transparent, opaque or with other color. PP has high melting point. It is suitable for packaging microwave food or washable products in washing machine. PP is used in food packaging for yogurt, syrup, cheese, prescription drug. PP is recyclable and safe for food

Polystyrene (PS)

Polystyrene (PS) is a colorless hard plastic with low flexibility. It may be like foam or poured in mold to make detailed products like plastic spoon or fork. PS is used in food packaging, plastic cup, fast food tray and dishes, hot cup, egg cartons, etc. PS is recyclable and safe for food.

Other polymer types(O)

“Other” or number 7 on plastic package shows pack is made from plastic resin other than 6 resins mentioned above. For example, package may be made with Polycarbonate or Polylactide bioplastic (PLA) or with more than one plastic resin. Use of other polymers in food packaging: Plastic number 7 is used to make water cooler 5 gallon jug, citrus juice and ketchup bottle, cup, coffee lid and shell dishes. These materials are recyclable and safe for food.