FDA-Approved Poly Bags for Food Packaging

If your bags touch food — directly or during packing — the film must be made from materials that comply with FDA food-contact requirements. "FDA-approved" isn't a certification stamp on the bag itself; it means the resins and additives used to make the film meet the FDA's rules for food-contact substances. Here's what buyers need to know.

The FDA regulates what materials can safely contact food under its food-contact substance regulations. Polyethylene — LDPE, LLDPE, and MDPE — is among the most widely used food-contact plastics, and film made from compliant resins is suitable for direct food contact.

For buyers, the practical requirement is straightforward: your supplier should confirm that the film is produced from FDA-compliant resins and kept free of contamination during manufacturing and handling.

• •Direct food contact — produce, bakery, ice, and prepared foods
• •Packaging that touches food during processing or packing
• •Wrapped or lined items that will be unwrapped and consumed

Bags used only for shipping or outer packaging — where food never touches the film — may not need food-contact material. But when in doubt, specify it: the cost difference is usually small, and it removes a compliance risk.

Food-contact poly bags are typically made from LDPE or LLDPE. LLDPE adds puncture resistance for heavier produce, while LDPE provides the clarity retailers want for display. Common constructions include:

• •Bakery bags for breads, rolls, and pastries
• •Produce and harvest bags for fresh vegetables
• •Ice bags for packaged ice
• •Liners for food processing equipment
• •Retail food display and portion bags

• •Are the resins FDA-compliant for direct food contact?
• •Is the film manufactured and stored to prevent contamination?
• •Can the bag be printed with food-safe inks if needed?
• •What thicknesses are available for my application?

California Plastix manufactures FDA-approved poly bags for food, produce, and medical applications — in LDPE, LLDPE, and MDPE, 1 to 8 mil, with custom sizes and optional printing. Tell us what you're packaging and we'll match the film to your requirements.