Food-contact packaging isn’t an “extra” category but a starting condition: the material that touches food has to be approved for that contact. It comes down to something simple — nothing harmful should pass from the packaging into the product, not taste, not smell, not substances from ink or coating. If you’re packing something people will eat, this isn’t a technical detail to sort out “later” but the first question you start from. Below we explain what food-safe really means, where the requirements come from, what the glass-and-fork symbol says and what you should tell us when ordering, so we can match the right material.
What “approved for food contact” means
A material approved for food contact is one that has been tested and recognised as safe in direct contact with food — under the given conditions of use. The key word is migration: it’s about how much and which substances can pass from the packaging into the product. A safe material keeps those values in check, so the food stays as you packed it.
Importantly, “food-safe” isn’t an absolute property but depends on the application. The same paper may be fine under dry baked goods yet unsuitable under a greasy or moist product without an added barrier. That’s why the material is always matched to the specific product, temperature and contact time — not “for everything at once”.
The legal basis — context, not legal advice
To be clear: treat this as direction and context, not as legal advice. In the EU, food-contact materials are governed by the general framework regulation (1935/2004) and the rules of good manufacturing practice (GMP, 2023/2006). For plastics and coatings there are more detailed requirements on the migration of individual substances.
The direction of regulation is tightening too. The new packaging law (PPWR) restricts, among other things, certain substances in contact with food — a well-known example is PFAS, the so-called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which were sometimes used as a grease barrier. What exactly this law changes we break down in the article on PPWR and what it changes for packaging.
The “glass and fork” symbol and the Declaration of Conformity
The glass-and-fork symbol (in English glass & fork) is a graphic declaration that a given material or product is intended for contact with food. You see it on many packages and disposable tableware. The symbol itself, however, is only the tip — the real document is the Declaration of Conformity.
The Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is a document in which the material’s manufacturer confirms that it meets the relevant requirements for the declared use. That’s the one worth having on file, especially when your product is sometimes inspected or goes into a retail chain. When it’s needed, we provide such a declaration for the chosen material.
Paper and cardboard vs food-safe — what it rests on
With paper and cardboard, contact safety is decided by several things at once, not by the “type of paper” alone:
- Fibre purity — fresh cellulose fibres give the cleanest contact zone; recovered paper is sometimes allowed with restrictions, because it may carry residues from the cycle. It’s worth asking about the origin of the raw material — the FSC certificate on packaging helps put this in order.
- Inks and varnishes — only approved inks and varnishes are used in the food-contact zone. That’s why the print is usually designed on the outer side, not the one that touches the product.
- A barrier for the product — grease and moisture require a matched barrier, so the packaging doesn’t soak through or let anything pass. How it works and which barrier to choose we describe in the article on the moisture and grease barrier.
Symbols and terms in one table
The table below is indicative and directional — it’s meant to help you talk about the requirements, not to replace the material’s documentation. The specifics depend on the product and the application:
| Element | What it means | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Glass-and-fork symbol | A declaration of suitability for contact with food | It’s a mark, not a full set of documents — ask for the declaration |
| Declaration of Conformity (DoC) | A manufacturer’s document confirming the material’s compliance | Useful for inspections and entering a retail chain; applies to the declared use |
| Migration | Substances passing from the packaging into food | The material is matched to the product, temperature and contact time |
| Fibre purity | Fresh fibres vs recovered paper with restrictions | For direct contact, fresh fibres are the safer bet |
| Barrier | A layer protecting against grease and moisture | It’s matched to the specific product, not “universally” |
| Print zone | Where the ink sits relative to the food | Printing is usually on the outer side of the packaging |
What this means for your order
From the buyer’s perspective it’s simple: we need to know that the packaging is in direct contact with food — and with what product. That’s one piece of information that changes the choice of material, barrier and print zone.
- Say it’s direct contact — point out that the food touches the packaging from the inside, rather than sitting in an extra pouch.
- Give the type of product — dry, greasy, moist or hot? We’ll match the material differently for a biscuit than for a takeaway burger. Typical takeaway solutions we gather in the article on packaging for takeaway catering.
- Note whether you need a document — if you’re entering a retail chain or expect an inspection, tell us, and we’ll provide a Declaration of Conformity for the chosen material.
On that basis we’ll match an approved material, the right barrier and a safe print side — and you get the design and visualisation in the price, before production even starts.
Frequently asked questions
What does it mean that packaging is approved for food contact?
That the material has been recognised as safe in direct contact with food under the given conditions of use — meaning it doesn’t transfer harmful substances to the product above the permitted values. “Food-safe” depends on the application: the same paper may be OK under a dry product but require a barrier under a greasy one.
Is the glass-and-fork symbol alone enough?
The symbol is a graphic declaration of suitability for food contact, but the real document is the Declaration of Conformity (DoC) from the material’s manufacturer. If your product is sometimes inspected or goes into a retail chain, it’s worth having that document, not just the mark.
Is recovered-paper cardboard suitable for food contact?
Sometimes yes, but with restrictions — recovered paper may carry residues from the cycle. For direct contact, fresh fibres are the safer bet, possibly with a suitable barrier or insert. The choice depends on the product.
Can packaging that touches food be printed?
Yes, but the print is usually designed on the outer side, and only approved inks and varnishes are used in the contact zone. That’s why it’s worth saying right away when ordering that it’s direct contact.
Do you provide a Declaration of Conformity?
When it’s needed, we provide a Declaration of Conformity for the chosen material. Tell us that the packaging is in direct contact with food and what the product is, and we’ll match an approved material and put the document together.
Match the material to your food product
The simplest way to start is with specifics: write what you’re packing (a dry, greasy or moist product), what format and print run, and we’ll match an approved material, the right barrier and — if needed — prepare a Declaration of Conformity and a preliminary quote.
→ Match packaging for food contact
See also
Planning food packaging consciously? See how to choose protection against grease and moisture, how the origin of the raw material is put in order by certification and what the new packaging law changes — and we gather the broader context in the article on eco-friendly packaging for business. We are a packaging manufacturer from Warsaw — design and visualisation are included in the price, we produce from 500 units and ship across all of Poland.