1. Food-Contact Safe Symbol
The Food-Contact Safe symbol is used to indicate that a material or product is safe to come into contact with food.
You’ll often find this symbol on packaging, containers, kitchen utensils, or any item that will touch food during preparation, storage, or serving.
🔍 What It Looks Like?
The most common form of the symbol is:
- A wine glass and a fork side-by-side
This icon is recognized internationally and complies with food safety regulations in many regions (like the EU and the US).
✅ What It Means?
If you see this symbol, it means the product:
- Won’t release harmful substances into food
- Is tested and certified under relevant food safety standards (e.g., FDA in the U.S., EU Regulation 1935/2004)
- Can be used safely for storing, serving, or preparing food
⚠️ Important Notes:
- The symbol doesn’t mean it’s microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe, or oven-safe — those have their own icons.
- It’s mainly used for plastic, paper, glass, ceramic, or metal materials that are intended to touch food.
2. BPA-Free Symbol
The BPA-Free symbol tells you that a product does not contain bisphenol A (BPA) — a chemical commonly used in making plastics and resins, especially polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins.
🔍 What Is BPA?
- BPA is often found in plastic food containers, water bottles, and the lining of canned foods.
- Scientific research has linked BPA exposure to hormonal disruptions and potential health risks, especially in infants and children.
✅ What the Symbol Means?
If a product has a “BPA-Free” symbol, it means:
- The material was manufactured without BPA.
- It’s considered safer for food and beverage storage, especially in heat-prone conditions (like microwaving or dishwashing).
⚠️ Important Notes:
- BPA-free doesn’t always mean 100% safe, but it’s a safer alternative.
- Some BPA-free plastics use substitutes like BPS or BPF, which are still being studied for health effects.
What the Symbol Looks Like?
There’s no single universal BPA-Free symbol, but common versions include
The words “BPA-Free” inside a circle or leaf design
A recycling triangle with a number like #5 (polypropylene) or #1 (PET) which are generally BPA-free
3. Allergen Warning Symbol
The Allergen Warning symbol is used on food packaging and product labels to alert consumers that a product contains or may contain common allergens. It’s crucial for people with food allergies, sensitivities, or intolerances.
🔍 What It Looks Like?
There’s no single universal symbol, but common formats include:
- A triangle with an exclamation mark
- An ear of wheat, indicating gluten
- A peanut or nut icon
- A milk bottle, egg, fish, or shellfish icon
The word “Allergen” or “Contains” followed by specific ingredients
Some regions or companies use color-coded labels or bold typeface in ingredient lists to mark allergens.
✅ What the Symbol Means:
It warns that the food:
- Contains specific allergens (e.g., milk, peanuts, soy)
- May be cross-contaminated with allergens during production (e.g., “may contain traces of nuts”)
🧾 Common Allergens Usually Flagged:
According to food safety authorities like the FDA (U.S.) and EU regulations, the top allergens often highlighted are:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts)
- Soy
- Wheat (gluten)
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Sesame (recently added in the U.S.)
🚨 Why It Matters?
People with severe allergies can have life-threatening reactions, so these warnings are legally required in most countries and critical for consumer safety.