NSF Launches New Protocol to Ensure Safe Food Packaging
Oxford, UK (September 9, 2025) – NSF, a leading global public health and safety organization, announced the release of its latest protocol, NSF P525: Safe Food Packaging (NSF P525). This new protocol is a significant step towards addressing the concerns surrounding food contact chemicals (FCCs), many of which have been found to pose serious health risks such as being carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic (CMR), endocrine disruptors, and bio accumulators. In fact, studies have shown that 80 of the known FCCs found in humans are hazardous and can negatively impact human health*.
NSF P525 provides certification for single-use, primary, and secondary packaging intended for contact with food and beverages. The certification process utilizes science-based methodology to validate the elimination of chemicals of concern, including Bisphenol A (BPA), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), heavy metals, and phthalates. By obtaining certification to NSF P525, food manufacturers can demonstrate their commitment to improving safety, ensuring regulatory compliance, and building consumer trust.
“Recent research has highlighted the health risks associated with harmful substances leaching from packaging into food, raising concerns among both consumers and manufacturers,” said Sam Cole, Director of Food Contact Evaluations at NSF. “When consumers see the NSF P525: Safe Food Packaging certification mark on food products, they can have peace of mind knowing that it has been reviewed by independent, third-party technical experts and scientists to ensure limited exposure to chemicals of concern.”
The development of NSF P525 involved a Protocol Development Panel, which included key stakeholders from the food packaging industry, retailers, and food manufacturers. NSF has been a leader in protocol and standard development for over 80 years.
Certification to NSF P525 is available globally and involves one or more of the following:
– Regulatory compliance: The packaging product is reviewed for compliance with region/country-specific regulations.
– Material migration testing: Food contact materials undergo lab testing using food simulants and a technical review to assess the potential of identified chemicals leaching into food.
– “Free From” claim verification: The packaging material is tested to confirm it is truly “free from” specific chemicals such as BPA, PFAS, phthalates, mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH), and heavy metals including lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury.
The new guideline covers a comprehensive list of packaging types, including bowls, boxes, cans, cartons, clamshells, cups, films, foils, jars, plates, pouches, sachets, trays, tubs, tubes, and wrappers. Applicable materials include plastics, paper, glass, and ceramics. Once certified, products can display the official “NSF Food Packaging” certification mark on the label and will be listed on NSF’s public listings.
To learn more about NSF P525, visit their website.
*Geueke, B., Parkinson, L.V., Groh, K.J. et al. Evidence for widespread human exposure to food contact chemicals. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol 35, 330–341 (2025).
