Is Pvc Safe For Food Contact

Polyvinyl chloride is more often referred to by its less technical names pvc and vinyl.
Is pvc safe for food contact. Pvc p has an important role in applications such as cling film 11 and in closures and repeat use flexible tube applications. Food gets processed on plastic equipment and packaged and shipped in. Food and drug administration fda prior to 1958 including those clearing its use as a component of food wraps can enamels and. 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.
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. In the u s pvc has been used in food packaging for over 40 years. 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.
While plastic containers have been vilified for potential health risks some are ok to use. Food safe plastic resins are those approved for contact with edibles by the food and drug administration fda. Plastics play a part in every phase of food production and preparation. 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.
To be sure check with your community recycling center. Our food it seems is always touching plastic. Any plastic jars and beverage containers in your home are most likely made from pet. Find out which are safe and which may be hazardous.
Fda approved for food contact. At efsa s website you can search for opinions on substances to be used in food contact materials. Carbon hydrogen and chlorine. The safety of fcm is evaluated by the european food safety authority efsa.
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.