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What is migration testing in food packaging?

Posted: Sep 4, 2025

In: Food packaging , Eco-Friendly

By:

Joe Sizeland

When sourcing food packaging for your business, you’ve probably come across the term migration testing. It sounds technical, but the idea is simple: when packaging comes into contact with food, it can sometimes transfer tiny amounts of material. Migration testing checks how much, what kind of materials and whether this falls within safe levels.

Understanding how this process works will help you make better choices about packaging, while making sure your business meets legal standards and maintains food quality.

Food contact materials and the risk of migration

Any material that comes into contact with food is considered a food contact material (FCM). In the food packaging industry, FCMs include plastic packaging, metal packaging, coatings, adhesives, recycled materials and any printing inks used on food containers or tubs.

Different packaging materials can release different migrating substances, depending on their chemical structure and the type of food they hold. For instance, high-fat, acidic or hot foods are particularly reactive, making migration more likely.

Who is responsible for testing, and when is it done?

Migration testing is typically carried out during product development or whenever new packaging materials, manufacturing processes or suppliers are introduced. It may also form part of routine quality control, particularly for packaging used in direct contact with food.

In many cases, especially for plastic packaging, migration testing is a legal requirement. UK regulations - including retained EU Regulation No. 10/2011 - set strict limits on what substances can transfer from packaging into food.

Packaging suppliers are responsible for testing to demonstrate compliance. However, food businesses sourcing packaging must also make sure the products they use meet the necessary legal and safety standards.

An overview of the migration testing process

Migration testing is performed under standardised laboratory conditions that are designed to reflect how packaging will actually be used, such as during long-term storage or exposure to heat. Two core methods are used across the food packaging industry:

Overall migration testing: this measures the total quantity of non-volatile substances that transfer from the packaging into a food simulant (typically ethanol, acetic acid or vegetable oil).
Specific migration testing: this looks at whether certain substances known to pose risks to human health, such as heavy metals or additives, remain below legally permitted thresholds.

To analyse these results, laboratories use sensitive techniques such as liquid chromatography, gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, which can detect even trace amounts of migrating substances.

Why food packaging testing matters

If you run a food business or are responsible for sourcing packaging, working with a supplier that is transparent about carrying out proper migration testing helps you:

Meet your legal obligations: food contact materials must comply with UK and retained EU regulations. Migration testing confirms that packaging meets specific limits on chemical transfer, giving you peace of mind that your business is using compliant materials.
Protect your customers: even if packaging looks safe, certain materials can release harmful substances - especially when used with heat, oils or acidic foods. Tested packaging reduces this risk and demonstrates that your business takes food safety seriously.
Keep food fresher for longer: incompatible packaging can affect flavour, smell or shelf life. Choosing tested materials helps you avoid issues like tainting or spoilage, especially if your food is stored, transported or displayed before being eaten.
Build trust with suppliers and retailers: some suppliers or retail partners may ask for evidence that your packaging meets safety standards. Having access to migration test results from a reputable packaging supplier makes this process easier.

Migration testing isn't something you need to manage yourself, but you should know your packaging has been through this process.

iKrafts does not conduct migration testing in-house, nor do we provide lab test certificates for individual product batches. However, we work with manufacturers and suppliers who confirm that their products are food safe for the uses stated on each product page.

This blog provides an overview of what migration testing is, how it is carried out and what it means for food businesses. If you require packaging that meets specific regulatory or food safety criteria, we recommend consulting a packaging technologist or requesting formal documentation directly from your regulatory or trading standards contact.

Choosing safe food packaging materials for your business

If you use containers, trays or tubs in your café, bakery or takeaway, it’s important to work with a supply partner that you can trust. At iKrafts, all our products are food safe under the conditions clearly stated on their product pages.

Browse our food packaging range or get in touch to find the right solution for your business.