Food Code Updates Impact Multi-Use Food Containers and Disinfection of Food-Contact Surfaces

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a Supplement to the 2022 Food Code that includes updates to sections relevant to food-contact articles. For example, changes to Section 3-304.17 expand and clarify how and when containers can be refilled and reused in food establishments. The Supplement also adds new provisions addressing disinfection of food-contact, nonfood-contact, and equipment surfaces (see Section 4-1001.11).

The Food Code provides practical, science-based controls for reducing the risk of foodborne illness in retail and foodservice establishments, according to an FDA press release on the publication of the Supplement to the 2002 Food Code. It is a joint project by FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The next complete revision of the Food Code is scheduled to be published in 2026.