FIBC bulk bags can be classified into three broad categories. There are industrial grade bags with a basic level of hygiene and no additional measures to prevent contamination; cleanroom manufactured bags produced in controlled environments with extra cleaning processes such as air washing or metal detection; and certified food grade bags. Food grade FIBCs are manufactured in hygienic and strictly regulated facilities to meet rigorous safety standards for contact with food, cosmetics, or pharmaceutical products.
What Standards are Required for a Bulk Bag to Be Food Certified in the UK and EU?
To be considered 'food grade' in the UK and European markets, bulk bags must comply with several essential regulations and standards:
- EU Regulation 1935/2004 - This framework legislation establishes the fundamental requirements for all materials intended to come into contact with food, ensuring they don't transfer harmful substances.
- EU Regulation 10/2011 - Specific to plastic materials and articles intended for food contact, this regulation sets detailed rules for migration testing and the composition of plastics.
- BRCGS Packaging Materials or FSSC 22000 - Both are Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) -recognised standards covering all aspects of quality and safety management. BRCGS Packaging Materials is particularly important in the UK market, while FSSC 22000 combines ISO 22000 food safety management with prerequisite programme requirements specifically for packaging manufacturers.
Food-grade bulk bags must also be constructed from certified non-toxic materials, typically virgin polypropylene, and undergo thorough migration testing to ensure no harmful substances can transfer to food products during storage or transport.
Legal Requirements for Using Certified Bulk Bags with Food Products
Whilst the term 'food grade' itself isn't explicitly defined in all UK legislation, there are legally binding regulations regarding materials that come into contact with food. The Food Standards Agency enforces these regulations, which require that any material in contact with food must not:
- Transfer constituents to food in quantities that could endanger human health
- Bring about an unacceptable change in the composition of the food
- Deteriorate the food's organoleptic properties (taste, smell, texture)
Using non-food-grade bags for food transport could potentially breach these regulations, exposing your business to legal and reputational risks.
How to Verify the Provenance of Food Grade Bulk Bags
Before purchasing food-grade bulk bags, it's crucial to verify their certifications and provenance. Request and review the following documentation:
- Declaration of Compliance - A legally required document confirming the material complies with relevant legislation
- Migration Test Reports - Technical documentation showing the bags have been tested for substance migration under various conditions
- Material Safety Data Sheets - Detailing the composition of the bag materials
- Certification Documentation - Copies of BRCGS, FSSC 22000 or other relevant certifications for the manufacturer
All food grade FIBCs should provide full material traceability through documentation and supplier audits, ensuring accountability throughout the supply chain.
Maintaining Continued Compliance with Food Safety Standards
Even certified food grade bulk bags can become contaminated after production. To ensure continued compliance with food safety standards, implement the following practices:
- Regular inspections - Systematically check for contamination, structural integrity, and material degradation
- HACCP integration - Include bulk bag storage and handling in your facility's Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point system
- Documented processes - Maintain records of all inspection and testing procedures
- Staff training - Ensure all personnel handling the bags are trained in proper hygiene and handling procedures
- Supplier audits - Periodically review your bag supplier's ongoing certification status
All these steps should be fully documented for audit and quality assurance purposes, in line with UK and EU food safety requirements.
Find Out More
By choosing Cliffe Packaging for your food-grade bulk bags, we can support you with regulatory compliance, operational effectiveness and efficiency. Please get in touch with our experienced team to learn more about how we can help you meet the specific requirements of the UK and European markets.
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