Food-safe: what does it mean for bags and films?
Food-safe means the material may come into contact with food. For plastics, Regulations (EC) No 1935/2004 and (EU) No 10/2011 apply; the manufacturer confirms suitability with a declaration of conformity. The glass and fork symbol or the note “for food contact” indicates it.
As of: 17.10.2026 · Reviewed by: Editorial team Elke Plastic GmbH · Information provided without guarantee, not legal advice.
The rules at a glance
| Regulation | What it covers | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 | Framework regulation for food contact materials: they must not release substances in amounts harmful to health or change the food in an unacceptable way | Traceability, labelling (glass and fork symbol or note) |
| Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 | Plastics in contact with food: list of authorised substances and limits for the release of substances into the food (migration) | Manufacturer’s declaration of conformity |
| Regulation (EC) No 2023/2006 | Good manufacturing practice in production | Manufacturer’s quality system |
| PPWR, Regulation (EU) 2025/40 | In addition since 12.08.2026: PFAS limits for packaging with food contact and a heavy-metal limit for all packaging | Declaration of conformity and test report |
The PFAS and heavy metal limits in detail: PPWR for food packaging.
The glass and fork symbol
The glass and fork symbol marks materials intended for contact with food. For items that are clearly meant for food, it is not mandatory; otherwise a note such as “for food contact” or the symbol must be applied. If there is no indication at all, you should not use the bag for food.
How to recognise food-safe bags
- Note “for food contact” or glass and fork symbol on the packaging or product page
- Manufacturer’s declaration of conformity for the specific item
- Material (for example LDPE or PP) and application stated in the data sheet
You will find our evidence in the data sheet archive. The supplier checklist: Declaration of conformity.
Not every plastic bag is food-safe
The base material polyethylene is generally suitable for food. What matters, however, is the specific item: additives, colours, printing inks and recycled material can rule out suitability. Simple bin bags, carrier bags or unmarked bags have not been tested for food. Plastic made from recycled material needs its own approval and evidence for food contact; without them it is not food-safe.
Suitable packaging
- Food packaging
- Ziplock Bags and Flat Bags
- Tubular film
- Bakery, coffee, tea: Bakery Packaging, Coffee Packaging, Tea packaging
Frequently asked questions
Is LDPE food-safe?
LDPE (low-density polyethylene) is generally suitable for food contact. Whether a specific bag is food-safe is shown by the note or glass and fork symbol and the item’s declaration of conformity.
What does the glass and fork symbol mean?
It indicates that the material is intended for contact with food and meets the requirements for food contact materials.
Are PE bags automatically food-safe?
No. Only bags that are expressly made for food contact and backed by evidence may be used for it. Simple bags without a corresponding indication have not been tested for this.
Is a PPWR declaration of conformity enough for food contact?
No. The PPWR declaration confirms the requirements of the PPWR. Suitability for food contact is demonstrated separately under food contact law.