The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates food and drug safety and the packaging and labeling of those products as well. In fact, any material that comes in direct contact with the food (Food Contact Substance, or "FCS"), vitamin, supplement or medication itself is subject to the oversight of the FDA. The pertinent legislation defines an FCS "as any substance that is intended for use as a component of materials used in manufacturing, packing, packaging, transporting, or holding food if such use of the substance is not intended to have any technical effect in such food." In short, packaging of food products requires food grade packaging.

A Food Contact Substance, either by itself or combined with other substances, makes up what's called the Food Contact Material. The Food Contact Material, when finished, becomes the Food Contact Article (e.g., bottle, tray, industrial mixer, etc.).

Food grade packaging, therefore, requires that all Food Contact Substances, Food Contact Materials and Food Contact Articles are "generally regarded as safe" (GRAS). Of course, this is but one of the characteristics you're seeking in addition to convenience, marketability and, most importantly, effectiveness in protecting the food itself.

Stand up pouches meet all of these needs and more. Also called stand bags, custom printed stand bags and Mylar® bags, these pouches come in various forms including side-gusset bags (box-like bags) and flat-bottom gusset bags. No matter the shape, stand up pouches are made from materials fully approved by the FDA, ensuring that they meet the safety standards required of Food Contact Substances, Food Contact Materials and/or Food Contact Articles.

This food grade packaging is created by laminating together multiple layers of scientifically formulated film, resulting in a barrier that is puncture and moisture resistant and which keeps out odor, vapor, pests (4 or 6-legged) and, when needed, ultraviolet light. Of course, one would expect packaging good at keeping unwanted things out would be equally capable of keeping desired things in, such as freshness, flavor, aroma and nutritional value.

In addition to meeting the FDA requirements for food grade packaging, stand up pouches meet your marketing needs as well. The bag design yields much printable "real estate" on which you can affix your labels or order printing customized to your exact specifications. The bag construction also allows it to stand up on the shelf, thereby standing above the competition.

Stand up pouches: It's head of the class food grade packaging.  Learn More Here