Food-Grade Metal Packaging: What Certification Is Required?

Metal packaging is widely used for food products due to its durability, barrier protection, and premium appearance. From tin boxes for candies and tea to metal containers for supplements and specialty foods, choosing food-grade metal packaging requires more than just selecting a material—it requires understanding certifications, coatings, and compliance standards.

 

1. What Is Food-Grade Metal Packaging?

Food-grade metal packaging refers to metal containers approved for direct or indirect contact with food. These packages must not release harmful substances, alter food taste, or react with food ingredients.

Common food-grade metal materials include:

  • Tinplate (steel with a tin coating)
  • Aluminum
  • Stainless steel (for specific applications)

However, the metal itself is only part of the equation—internal coatings and certifications are equally important.

 

2. Key Certifications Required for Food-Grade Metal Packaging

FDA Compliance (United States)

For packaging sold in or imported into the U.S., materials must comply with FDA food contact regulations (21 CFR).

This includes:

  • Approved metal substrates
  • FDA-compliant internal coatings and lacquers
  • Migration limits for food contact

Suppliers should be able to provide FDA compliance statements for both metal and coatings.

EU Food Contact Regulations (Europe)

Metal packaging for the EU market must comply with:

  • EC Regulation No. 1935/2004
  • Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) – EC 2023/2006

These regulations ensure materials do not transfer substances to food at unsafe levels.

ISO & Quality Management Certifications

While not food-contact approvals themselves, the following indicate manufacturing reliability:

  • ISO 9001 – Quality management
  • ISO 22000 – Food safety management (for packaging manufacturers)

Brands often require these certifications from suppliers to ensure consistent production standards.

 

3. Food-Safe Coatings and Lacquers

Most food-grade metal packaging uses protective internal coatings to prevent corrosion and food contamination.

Common coating types include:

  • Epoxy-based coatings (BPA-free options available)
  • Polyester coatings
  • Oleoresin coatings

These coatings must be:

  • Food-contact approved
  • Resistant to acidity, oil, and moisture
  • Properly cured during production

Brands should always confirm whether BPA-free coatings are required for their target market.

 

4. Testing and Compliance Documentation

Before ordering food-grade metal packaging, brands should request:

  • Food-grade compliance declaration
  • Migration test reports (if applicable)
  • Coating material safety data
  • Production process documentation

Testing ensures the packaging performs safely under real storage conditions.

 

5. Typical Use Cases for Food-Grade Metal Packaging

Food-grade metal packaging is commonly used for:

  • Candies, chocolates, and confectionery
  • Tea, coffee, and dry food products
  • Supplements and functional foods
  • Specialty gift food packaging

Metal packaging offers excellent oxygen, light, and moisture barriers, extending shelf life while enhancing product presentation.

 

6. What Brands Should Confirm Before Ordering

Before placing an order, brands should clarify:

  • Target market regulations (U.S., EU, or other regions)
  • Whether packaging requires direct food contact
  • Coating type and BPA-free requirements
  • Certification documents provided by the supplier

Working with an experienced packaging supplier helps reduce compliance risks and avoid costly delays.

 

Conclusion

Food-grade metal packaging combines durability, safety, and premium appeal—but only when it meets proper certification standards. Understanding FDA and EU requirements, coating systems, and compliance documentation allows brands to confidently choose metal packaging that protects both their product and reputation. A reliable supplier should always provide transparent certification and testing support for food-contact packaging.

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