When browsing CiboWares’ selection of disposable foodservice supplies, you may notice products made from plastics and other materials described as ‘Food safe,’ or ‘FDA compliant.’ But what does this mean and why is it so important?

What does FDA stand for?

FDA is the abbreviation for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This is a federal agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. It was founded in 1906 and is responsible for ensuring the safety and efficacy of medications, biological products, medical devices, cosmetics, food and all things that come into contact with food. They also have regulations regarding how products are packaged and labeled.

What does the FDA do for takeout products?

For us here at CiboWares the key role of the FDA is that they ensure the materials used for food and beverage packaging and processing are safe for use by the public. In order to ensure that these products are safe, the FDA provides rules and guidelines for how materials should be made and used. If a material is considered FDA compliant, or food safe, it meets these guidelines. All of our products that come into contact with food including packaging, cutlery and gloves are made from FDA approved materials. For example, FDA compliant polyethylene materials are used to manufacture our Bun Pan Bags, making them absolutely safe for use with food.

The FDA also deals with food additives and indirect food additives. After disposable products come into contact with food, they are considered indirect food additives. An example of this would be our disposable gloves. All of CiboWares’ foodservice grade gloves are FDA approved and packaging will include the statement “all components are FDA accepted for food contact”.

CiboWares offers a wide range of picks, straws, and other quality disposable products. Looking for disposables? Read our Buying Guides for Skewers, Straws, Stirrers, and Take-out Packaging.