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NSF International has unveiled its latest certification protocol, NSF P525: Safe Food Packaging.

This new protocol aims to empower consumers and food manufacturers by ensuring packaging is free from harmful chemicals that could leach into food and beverages, addressing rising concerns about food contact materials (FCCs) linked to serious health risks.

The NSF P525 certification will cover a wide range of commonly used packaging items, including takeaway containers, coffee cups, food wrappers, ready meal trays and drink bottles.

The protocol employs rigorous laboratory testing to validate that materials such as plastics, paper, glass, and ceramics do not transfer toxic substances, including Bisphenol A (BPA), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), heavy metals, and phthalates, into food products.

“Recent studies have highlighted the alarming health risks associated with toxic substances leaching from food packaging, raising concerns among consumers and manufacturers alike,” said Sam Cole, director of food contact evaluations at NSF.

He coninued: “The NSF P525 certification mark gives consumers confidence that the products they purchase have undergone thorough evaluation by independent experts, ensuring limited exposure to harmful chemicals”.

The launch of NSF’s Safe Food Packaging protocol comes at a crucial time when consumer awareness regarding food safety is at an all-time high.

With 80 known hazardous FCCs identified in humans – many of which are reported to be carcinogenic and endocrine disruptors – the new certification seeks to protect public health while enhancing consumer trust in food brands.

The protocol was developed with input from a diverse Protocol Development Panel, comprising key stakeholders from the food packaging industry, retailers and food manufacturers.

This collaborative approach ensures that the certification meets the needs of various sectors within the food and beverage industry.

The certification process involves comprehensive evaluations, including:

• Regulatory compliance: Assessing packaging products for adherence to specific regional regulations.

• Material migration testing: Conducting laboratory tests using food simulants to evaluate the potential leaching of harmful chemicals.

• “Free from” claim verification: Confirming that packaging materials are genuinely free from specific harmful substances such as BPA, PFAS, phthalates and heavy metals.

Once certified, products will be permitted to display the official 'NSF Food Packaging' certification mark, and they will be listed on NSF’s public registry, enhancing visibility for manufacturers committed to food safety.