Do all paper, bamboo, wood, and coated food-contact products exported to the United States need to undergo FDA testing?

What is the FDA, and why is it so important?  

The FDA, or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, holds a pivotal position in the global regulation of food and pharmaceutical products. The regulations and standards it establishes are designed to ensure the safety and quality of foods, drugs, medical devices, and food-contact materials that enter the U.S. market. For food-contact materials, the FDA imposes strict regulatory requirements in order to protect American consumers from potential hazards posed by these materials.  

Paper-based food-contact products and FDA testing  

Paper-based food-contact products are commonly used in daily life, such as food packaging paper, paper cups, and paper plates. When these products come into contact with food, they may release harmful substances, such as heavy metals and fluorescent brighteners, which can affect the safety of the food.  

Bamboo and wood-based food-contact products and FDA testing  

Bamboo and wood-based food-contact products are popular among consumers due to their natural and environmentally friendly properties. Common examples include bamboo utensils and wooden cutting boards. Although bamboo and wood are relatively natural materials, some chemical substances, such as preservatives and coatings, may be used during the processing. These substances could potentially migrate into food and pose a threat to human health.  

Coated food-contact products and FDA testing  

Coated food-contact products refer to those that have a special coating on their surface, such as non-stick pans and painted metal utensils. The purpose of the coating is usually to enhance the product’s performance, such as improving non-stick properties or preventing corrosion. However, the chemical components in the coating may also leach into food.  

How to meet FDA testing requirements?  

For companies that export paper-based, bamboo and wood-based, or coated food-contact products to the United States, it is essential to conduct an accurate assessment of their products first. Understand the raw materials, production processes, and uses of the products to determine whether FDA testing is necessary. If in doubt, you can consult Huabiao Testing for accurate information.

Huabiao（GIG）Testing has an experienced technical team and advanced testing equipment to provide you with a complete Amazon TIC certification solution. It has passed CMA/CNAS qualification certification, ensuring accurate and reliable test data, and its test reports have national/international credibility. It helps customers manage risks and meet your product market requirements, assisting your products in selling globally.