Food Contact Material Testing

Food contact material testing is intended to ensure that packaging and contact materials provide adequate protection against microorganisms, pests and other forms of contamination, and that packaging materials that come in direct contact with food are not themselves a source of harmful contaminants. Specific testing can include testing for concentrations of specific chemicals and potentially harmful substances, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), heavy metals and phthalates. Other tests assess specific physical characteristics of food packaging and contact materials, such as impact resistance, stability and durability, while still others evaluate the potential for microbiological infiltration and contamination.

Food packaging and food contact materials are subject to regulations in most major markets around the world, including the U.S., the European Union (EU), China and Japan, and the so-called Mercosur (Mercado Comun del Sur) countries in South America. As a result, food contact material testing is an essential requirement to gain legal access to important consumer markets. In addition, major global retailers may mandate certain additional testing for food packaging and contact materials as part of their procurement requirements, further validating the importance of food contact material testing.

Through our comprehensive analysis, certification, auditing and inspection services, TÜV SÜD can assist manufacturers and distributors in navigating and complying with food packaging and food contact materials regulations and standards worldwide. TÜV SÜD is an accredited certification body for the BSR/IoP Global Standard for Packaging and Packaging Materials, as well as most other internationally recognised food safety certification schemes, codes and standards. TÜV SÜD food safety professionals are also experienced in evaluating and verifying preventative control plans for consistency with hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) principles. These broad capabilities in food safety make TÜV SÜD an effective single source for assistance with all food safety certification and compliance issues, and a preferred partner to the food industry.

TÜV SÜD offers testing services for a wide range of food packaging products and contact materials, such as food contact appliances, food containers, kitchenware and utensils, and food packaging. Specific types of testing include:

• Chemical testing - Including testing for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), extractable heavy metals, phthalates, primary aromatic amies, PAHs and PCPs. Chemical testing services also include metal composition analysis, overall and specific chemical migration properties, and formaldehyde release rates.
• Physical testing - Including testing for drop impact resistance, final burst pressure, thermal stability and sealing performance, as well as material dimension (diameter/thickness) and top load. 
• Microbiological testing - Testing for e-coli, salmonella, staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus hemolyticus, shigella and mould and yeast.

In addition to our testing services, TÜV SÜD can certify food contact materials to industry standards approved by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), such as those of the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and FSSC 22000. We can also provide mandatory and voluntary inspection and auditing services to assure compliance with applicable regulations or procurement requirements. 

• Save time and money - by identifying compliance considerations for food packaging products and contact materials at the earliest possible stages.
• Minimise risks - by avoiding supply chain problems that can result in packaging product and material recalls and reputational harm.
• Gain a competitive edge - by delivering food packaging products and contact materials of consistent quality and safety, without compromising time to market.
• Benefit from complete solutions - by utilising our full range of testing, certification and auditing services for food packing products and contact materials.
• Achieve global support - by leveraging TÜV SÜD’s worldwide expertise in regulations and requirements, regardless of where your products are manufactured or sold.

TÜV SÜD is a trusted partner to food producers and distributors worldwide. Our team of specialists can work with your organisation throughout the entire production and distribution process to add value and help you to deliver safe and reliable products. TÜV SÜD technical professionals are also actively involved in international advisory boards and standards and codes development activities, ensuring up-to-date knowledge of current and changing requirements.

Represented in over 800 locations worldwide, TÜV SÜD has an unsurpassed track record of meeting and exceeding the requirements and expectations of our client companies. The TÜV SÜD brand and our distinctive blue octagon mark are instantly recognised around the globe as symbols of quality and safety, and will increase customer confidence in your brand.