What is food-grade packaging and do I need it?

Food-grade packaging refers to packaging materials and components that are safe for direct contact with food products — they will not contaminate food with harmful chemicals, inks, or substances.

Food-contact regulations in the UK:
All packaging that comes into direct contact with food must comply with UK/EU food contact materials regulations (retained in UK law post-Brexit). The key standards are:

• UK BRC (British Retail Consortium) Standards


• EU Regulation 1935/2004 (still referenced for exports)


• Specific regulations for plastics (10/2011), paper, and board

What makes packaging food-safe:


• Inks: Food-safe inks that don't migrate through the board


• Coatings: Food-safe varnishes and laminates only


• Board: Virgin (non-recycled) board recommended for direct food contact


• Adhesives: Food-safe glues and tape


• Printing position: Printing on the outside only with adequate barrier coating

Do you need food-grade packaging?


• ✅ YES — if food directly touches the packaging (baked goods, confectionery)


• ✅ YES — if there's no inner wrap separating food from box


• ⚠️ MAYBE — if food is individually wrapped inside (assess migration risk)


• ❌ Not required — if food is fully sealed in its own inner packaging

Types of food businesses that need it:
Bakeries, chocolatiers, delis, meal kit boxes, subscription snack boxes, pet food packaging.

Always inform your packaging supplier that the boxes will be used for food — they must supply appropriate food-contact compliant materials.