FDA authorizes Food Contact Substances by identity, intended use, and conditions of use; the presence of a substance in this list indicates that only certain intended uses and use conditions are authorized by FDA regulations. This list is a compilation of the names of these substances (or combinations of substances in the case of, for example, polymers and resins) found in 21 CFR parts 173, 175 - 178, 179.45, 180.22, 181, and 186. The regulation(s) cited for specific substances should always be consulted to understand the regulatory status of a given substance, its allowed intended uses and conditions of use.
The inventory also contains information on substances listed in 21 CFR 189 that are prohibited from use as food contact substances.