Many plastic materials are approved for use in commercial kitchens and bakeries, packaging facilities, slaughter houses,
and bottling facilities.
Here is a list of all the agencies and approvals you may need to consider when selecting a material in the USA or Canada. We’re more than happy to help you select the most optimal material as well.
FDA
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a regulatory agency of the U.S. government, responsible for determining how materials may be caused in contact with food products. The FDA participates in publication of the The Federal Register, which contains The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), a codification of the general rules established by the Executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government. The Code is divided into 50 titles, which represent a broad subject matter.
USDA
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Safety and Inspection Service regulates manufacturing, packaging and handling practices in the agricultural food industry. Historically, the USDA reviewed material composition and issued “letters of no objection” for materials deemed to be chemically acceptable for their intended
application. This protocol is no longer practiced. Current policies for assuring the chemical acceptability of materials used for components of food processing equipment is outline in Accepted Meat & Poultry Equipment Publication (MP1-2, 3818 Directive 11220.0) November, 1193. This policy states that components used in direct food contact must be documented as to their compliance with the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (“FDA compliance”) by a written letter of guaranty from the manufacturer to ensure that they are formulated in compliance with appropriate regulations. Therefore, USDA requirements for material approval are satisfied by a certification of FDA compliance.
NSF
3-A was founded in 1920’s by three dairy associations in the interest of creating sanitary standards and practices for equipment and systems used to process milk and milk products, and other perishable foods. Today, the 3-A Sanitary Standards Committee are composed of representatives from many government agencies and industries alike. Standard Number 20-17, 3-A Sanitary Standards for Multiple-Use Plastic Materials Used as Product Contact Surfaces for Dairy Equipment has been developed to “…cover the material requirements of plastics for multiple-use as product contact and/or cleaning solution contact surfaces in equipment for production, processing and handling of milk and milk product(s). Test criteria are provided for plastics as a means of determining their acceptance as to their ability to be cleansed and to receive effective bactericidal treatment and to maintain their essential functional properties and surface finish in accelerated use-simulating test…” Samples are subjected to chemicals representative of dairy clearing compounds and measured for weight change and changes in surface appearance. Historically, 3-A has maintained a published list of plastic materials, which comply with Standard Number 20-17. The 3-A Steering Committee has chosen to terminate maintenance of this list. Suppliers achieve compliance with this standard through independent evaluation and self-certification. For further information regarding 3-A Sanitary Standards, contact 3-A Sanitary Standards Committee, 6245 Executive Blvd., Rockville, MD 29852-3938. By phone; (703)761-2600.
The Minister of Health is responsible for the CFIA and is responsible for establishing policies and standards for the safety and nutritional quality of food sold in Canada; the administration of those provisions of the Canadian Food and Drugs Act that relate to public health, safety and nutrition; and for assessing the effectiveness of the Agency’s activities related to food safety.
CDN: 1 800 667 0999 USA: 1 866 733 2684