Common Misconceptions Regarding Food Grade Bulk Bags

Misconception #1 – The existence of FDA Approved Bulk Bags

While many users of FIBCs may request an “FDA” approved bulk bag, it is important to note that such designation does not exist. The Food and Drug Administration does not issue any approvals or certifications of FIBCs or FIBC liners. 

With regard to polypropylene resin, a major component of most FIBC fabric, FDA Food Contact Regulation 21 CFR 177.1520 states that 100% virgin polypropylene resin “may be safely used as articles or components of articles intended for use in contact with food”. 

Misconception #2 – A “Food Grade” liner used inside an industrial grade bag is sufficient for food grade applications.

Polyethylene and polypropylene is approved by the FDA for food contact. Therefore, it stands to reason that a polyethylene FIBC liner is inherently food grade. However, inserting a food grade liner in an industrial grade bag in an industrial grade facility does not qualify the bag as food grade.  

Food grade bags and liners must be manufactured and assembled in food grade facilities. The liner and bag itself will ultimately come into contact with the food product. As such, the entire FIBC must be food grade quality and cleanliness. 

Food grade FIBCs should only be manufactured by certificated suppliers that meet the standards established by recognized schemes. Southern Packaging, LP performs extensive due diligence on our food grade quality manufacturing partners to ensure our customers receive the highest quality, most reliable food grade packaging.

Misconception #3 – My packaging requires GFSI Certification

Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) is an industry-driven collaboration of retail, manufacturing, food service, academia, and service providers that was founded in 2000. Their mission is to provide continuous improvement in food safety management systems to ensure confidence in the delivery of safe food to consumers worldwide. The GFSI does NOT offer a third-party accreditation or certification.

Rather, the GFSI recognizes certain schemes they deem sufficient for the manufacturing and delivery of safe food packaging to consumers all over the world.

Schemes that the GFSI currently recognizes: 

• Food Safety System Certification 22000 (FSSC)
• BRCGS – British Retail Consortium: BRC Global Standard for Packaging & Packaging Materials Issue 4
• International Featured Standards (IFS): IFS PAC secure, Version 1
• SQF – Safe Quality Food Institute: SQF Code 7th Edition; Level 2

Do you require food grade packaging or have questions? 

Southern Packaging, LP stocks the largest inventory of on-demand FIBCs in the country. Nearly 1 million FIBCs across 100 SKUs are available for immediate shipment to your plant location. We offer stock and custom designed food grade FIBCs for any industrial application. Please contact our experienced team of packaging professionals for more information.