Food safety and hygiene with catering wraps: a practical kitchen guide

Use catering wraps only for the foods, temperatures and contact conditions covered by the supplier's instructions. Environmental claims do not replace food-contact checks or your kitchen's food-safety procedures.

1. Ask for the applicable documentation

Request food-contact compliance information for the exact product and intended use. Keep the relevant documents with your purchasing and food-safety records. Requirements can differ by material and UK jurisdiction; obtain competent advice where necessary.

A compostability certificate is not a food-contact declaration. A statement about recycled content does not establish suitability for direct food contact either.

2. Check temperature and food restrictions

Do not assume that film suitable for covering chilled food can be used in a microwave, freezer or oven. Likewise, parchment is not suitable for every oven temperature and must be kept clear of exposed flames and heating elements.

Check guidance for prolonged contact between aluminium foil and acidic or very salty foods. Use a suitable container or approved alternative when needed.

3. Cool and store food safely

Follow your documented cooling, storage and labelling procedures. Cool cooked food promptly using an appropriate method; do not leave it standing at room temperature simply to wait until it feels cold enough to wrap. Covering and cooling arrangements should be part of your food-safety assessment.

Use the Food Standards Agency's business guidance alongside your kitchen's procedures and any relevant local guidance.

4. Keep wraps and dispensers clean

Store rolls protected from splashes and contamination and off the floor. Follow the equipment's cleaning instructions. Assess and discard contaminated materials as required by your procedures; a dispenser does not make a contaminated roll safe.

5. Prevent cross-contamination

Keep raw and ready-to-eat activities separated as your food-safety plan requires. Use clean hands and appropriate utensils or equipment. Gloves do not replace handwashing, and used wrap that has contacted raw food should not be reused for ready-to-eat food.

Frequently asked questions

Does compostable film automatically meet food-contact requirements?

No. Request the applicable evidence and intended-use guidance for that film.

Can any parchment be used for baking?

Check its intended uses and temperature limit. Greaseproof paper and baking parchment should not be treated as interchangeable without checking.

Can PlanetWrap supply supporting information?

Ask for the current product documentation. Availability and scope must be confirmed; the evidence page explains the current status.

This is general purchasing and hygiene guidance, not a replacement for your food-safety plan or professional advice.