Every product we supply meets or exceeds U.S. Food & Drug Administration regulations for food-contact materials. Learn about our certifications, testing procedures, and quality assurance commitments.
At Cup Source, food safety isn't an afterthought — it's the foundation of everything we do. All of our products are manufactured in facilities that comply with 21 CFR Part 177 (Food-Contact Polymers) and 21 CFR Part 176 (Direct Food-Additive Adhesives and Coatings).
We conduct rigorous third-party testing on every production batch to verify compliance with FDA limits for migration, heavy metals, and chemical residues. Our quality management system is audited annually by independent registrars.
Whether you're serving hot coffee, cold smoothies, or hot soup — your customers' safety is guaranteed with every Cup Source product.
All products verified compliant
Our products are designed and manufactured to comply with the following FDA regulatory frameworks for food-contact materials.
Covers polymers used in food-contact articles, including paper, paperboard, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and laminated coatings. All Cup Source cups and containers fall under this regulation.
All Paper & Plastic CupsGoverns general provisions for food-contact substances. Our printing inks, adhesives, and sealants are fully compliant and meet all good manufacturing practice (GMP) requirements.
Inks, Adhesives & SealantsRegulates adhesives and coating components used in food packaging. Our PE and PLA liner coatings, as well as water-based printing inks, meet all specified migration limits.
Coatings & LinersOur manufacturing facilities use only FDA-approved sanitizers and cleaning agents. All production surfaces are treated in accordance with these regulations to prevent cross-contamination.
Facility SanitationProducts intended for hot-fill or hot-beverage use are tested to ensure structural integrity and minimal chemical migration at temperatures up to 212°F (100°C), meeting FDA expectations for hot food-contact materials.
Hot Beverage & Soup ContainersOur facilities operate under strict GMP protocols aligned with 21 CFR Parts 110 and 117, ensuring consistent product quality, contamination prevention, and proper documentation at every stage.
All Manufacturing OperationsA quick reference for the FDA compliance status of every material used in our product line.
| Material | Application | Regulation | FDA Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📄Paperboard | Cup walls, sleeve stock, bowl bodies | 21 CFR 176.170 | FDA Compliant |
| 💧Polyethylene (PE) | Hot cup liners, lid sealing surfaces | 21 CFR 177.1520 | FDA Compliant |
| 🧊Polystyrene (PS) | Cold cup bodies, clear lids | 21 CFR 177.1630 | FDA Compliant |
| 🥤PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) | Clear cold cups, smoothie containers | 21 CFR 177.1630 | d>FDA Compliant |
| ♻️PLA (Polylactic Acid) | Compostable liners, eco-bowls, cold cups | 21 CFR 177.1590 | FDA Compliant |
| 🎨Water-Based Inks | Custom printing, logos, decorative designs | 21 CFR 175.300 | FDA Compliant |
| 🔗Adhesives & Sealants | Seam bonding, lid attachment, label adhesives | 21 CFR 175.105 | FDA Compliant |
| 🌾Bagasse (Sugarcane Fiber) | Compostable bowls, plates, clamshell containers | 21 CFR 177.2600 | FDA Compliant |
Our facilities hold the following third-party certifications, verified through annual audits and inspections.
Quality Management System certification ensuring consistent product quality and continuous improvement processes.
Cert. #QS-2024-0892Environmental Management System certification demonstrating our commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices.
Cert. #ES-2024-1104Fully Sustainable Council certification for all paper-based products, ensuring responsible forestry sourcing.
FSC-C162847BioPreferred Institute certification for compostable products meeting ASTM D6400 and D6868 standards.
BPI-57293Every product batch undergoes a multi-step testing protocol before it leaves our facility.
All incoming raw materials are inspected and tested for purity, composition, and compliance with FDA specifications. Certificates of Analysis (CoA) are required from every supplier.
Simulated food-contact migration tests are performed per FDA 21 CFR 177.1610 methods. Total migration and specific substance migration (e.g., heavy metals, BPA, phthalates) are measured.
Products are tested for heat resistance, water permeability, and structural integrity under real-world conditions — including hot-fill, microwavability, and freeze-thaw cycles where applicable.
Surface microbial testing ensures products meet FDA sanitation standards. This includes testing for total aerobic microbial count, E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus.
Independent laboratories (SGS, Intertek, or equivalent) conduct annual verification testing. Results are documented and available for customer review upon request.
Each production batch receives a Batch Release Certificate with full traceability, including raw material lot numbers, test results, and QA sign-off before shipment.
Common questions about our FDA compliance, certifications, and food safety practices.
Request COCs, test reports, or a compliance package for your specific product line. Our team responds within 24 hours.
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