Is steel packaging safe for food?

Actually… Not only is steel packaging safe, but it also keeps products safe for up to 5 years, making it a key ally in the drive to reduce food waste and improve food security.

The steel manufacturing industry actively monitors all relevant chemical (e.g. REACH) and food contact safety standards laws, directives and regulations to ensure that EU steel, and the packaging made from it, meet or surpass safety expectations.

We are committed to the production of high-quality material, and products made from it are safe to use in terms of human health (worker and consumer) and the environment.

Indeed, steel is a well-established food packaging material. This means that considerable experience and knowledge has already been gained around its safety for us in food contact products. These are qualities that make steel cans not only a staple of food banks but a key player in the fight for food security and against food waste.

The canning process works by heating airtight cans to sterilize the food inside them, and it remains one of the most widespread and safest ways of preserving vitamins and vital nutrients in our food.

Since its first use more than 200 years ago, the process has continued to advance as research into the effects of heat treatment has improved our understanding. The modern packing industry is extremely well controlled, and products and production facilities are subject to regular inspection, especially on a microbiological level. So, consumers can be confident about quality and safety when buying canned food.

Find out more

https://www.apeal.org/food-contact/

Living and eating well, with canned products – APEAL