On Tuesday 9 September, 2025, in Oxford, UK, NSF, a leading global public health and safety organisation, announced the launch of its newest protocol, NSF P525: Safe Food Packaging (NSF P525). This protocol is a major step in addressing food contact chemicals (FCCs) which have been found to have negative effects on human health. Many of these chemicals are known to be carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic (CMR), endocrine disruptors, and bio accumulators. According to recent research, 80 of these FCCs found in humans are hazardous and pose a significant threat to human health.
NSF P525 is a certification program for single-use, primary and secondary packaging intended for contact with food and beverages. This certification utilizes science-based methodology to validate the elimination of chemicals of concern such as Bisphenol A (BPA), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), heavy metals, and phthalates. By obtaining certification to NSF P525, food manufacturers demonstrate their commitment to improving safety, complying with regulations, and building consumer trust.
Sam Cole, Director of Food Contact Evaluations at NSF, emphasized the importance of this new protocol, stating, “Recent research has underscored the health risks of toxic substances leaching from packaging into food, increasing concerns among both consumers and manufacturers.” He also reassured consumers that the presence of the NSF P525: Safe Food Packaging certification mark on food products is a guarantee that the packaging has undergone independent, third-party review by technical experts and scientists to ensure limited exposure to chemicals of concern.
The development of the NSF P525 protocol was a collaborative effort with 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 a series of steps, including: ensuring regulatory compliance, conducting material migration testing using food simulants and a technical review, and verifying “Free From” claims by testing for specific chemicals such as BPA, PFAS, phthalates, mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH), and heavy metals like lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury.
The protocol 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. It also applies to various materials such as plastics, paper, glass, and ceramics. Once a product is certified, it can display the official “NSF Food Packaging” certification mark on its label and will be listed on NSF’s public listings.
To learn more about NSF P525, visit the NSF website. The research cited for this protocol, “Evidence for widespread human exposure to food contact chemicals,” was published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology in 2025.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.