What "FDA 21 CFR 175.300" actually means for your can lining

XYH CAN · November 2026 · 5 min read

Every can supplier's website says "FDA approved". Almost none of them can show you what that means. Here is what the regulation actually covers and what to ask for.

The FDA doesn't approve cans

The FDA regulates substances that may contact food, not finished packages. For can coatings the relevant rule is 21 CFR 175.300, Resinous and polymeric coatings. It lists permitted ingredients and sets extraction limits the coating must meet when tested under conditions that match the food and process — acidic, fatty, hot-filled, retorted. A coating is tested to or compliant with 175.300; it is not "approved".

What a real test report looks like

It names the coating, the test conditions (food simulant, temperature, time), the extraction results against the limits, the laboratory, and a report number. Ours is report CANHL23004846101; a summary is on the Compliance page and the full report goes to buyers on request. If a supplier can't produce a report number, the claim is marketing.

BPA-NI

Older epoxy linings were made with bisphenol A. "BPA-NI" (non-intent) means BPA is not intentionally used in the coating. In the US roughly 95% of food cans have moved to BPA-NI, California added BPA to the Prop 65 list in July 2025, and the EU has banned it in food-contact materials. Treat BPA-NI as a default requirement, not a premium feature. We offer it and provide a statement.

Lining depends on what you fill

There is no single "food-grade" lining. Tomato needs acid resistance; fish and beans need sulphur resistance; beverages need a lining rated for the drink and its pH; dry powders are the easiest case. A supplier who asks what goes in the can before quoting is doing their job.

Documents to ask for

• 21 CFR 175.300 test report with number and lab
• BPA-NI statement
• Prop 65 statement if you sell in California
• EU 1935/2004 Declaration of Compliance if you sell in the EU
• Tinplate mill certificate (EN 10204 3.1) per batch

All of these are listed on our Compliance & Downloads page.