Just about all individuals who have received a shiny foil pouch have asked themselves this question: "Is it safe to keep food or supplements, herbs or other consumables inside them"? 

It is a common question and since Mylar is more frequently being used for packaging food, as well as flower, coffee and nutraceuticals, the issue of "are Mylar bags toxic" comes up frequently.

So, are mylar bags toxic? No. Food-grade Mylar bags that are manufactured properly do not contain any toxic components. They have been created with a safe inner layer to ensure that there will be no leaky chemicals from the Mylar to the food when it is used as intended.

In brief, food-grade Mylar bags are non-toxic, as long as they a manufactured properly. The longer answer will provide a better understanding and will help to clarify confusion surrounding safe food packaging. Without exaggeration, scaring you with stories or vague statements here are the details broken down in simple terms.

Expert insight - “In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration authorizes PET for food contact under Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations,” 

What Exactly are Mylar Bags made of?

Mylar is simply a registered brand name by DuPont for a polyester film called BoPET (Biaxially Oriented Polyethylene Terephthalate). Today, "Mylar" typically refers to all flexible foil-style packaging products made today.

Many Mylar bags contain multiple layers; therefore, they do not consist of only one type of material, but rather consist of;

1) Polyester (PET) (used to create the bag’s structure as well as for legibility when printed)

2) Aluminum foil or Metallized (Metal layer and with a barrier)

3) Polyethylene (PE), Co-extruded Polypropylene (CPP) (used as the layer that will touch the contents of the bag -the "food contact layer"). This is the most important part in regard to being safe.

Why People Worry About Toxicity

People often associate toxins negatively when dealing with Mylar Bags.

Some of those concerns are:

• Potential for chemicals to leach out of the bag and into the food
• Concerns regarding BPA and/or other health effects associated with plastics
• Concern over the exposure to heat during the sealing process
• Poor quality control in imports or unregulated packaging
• Not knowing the materials used to make the packaging, as this can differ

While these are valid questions to ask, most of the time, these concerns get muddied with other incorrect data.

Are Mylar Bags Food Safe?

Mylar bags have the potential to be safe for food products when they are produced according to the manufacturer's specifications. Food grade Mylar bags use a layer of FDA-approved plastic that does not come into contact with either the aluminium foil or any ink for printing and serves as a protective coating between the product and the rest of the pouch. In the US, all food-contact packaging must conform to government regulations established by the FDA; therefore, reputable Mylar manufacturers purchase films that comply with the FDA's food-contact requirements.

Mylar pouches are not labelled 'food grade' or 'approved for food-contact' unless they are manufactured from materials that have been certified as non-transferable contaminants (which means a person using the pouch normally would not receive harmful chemicals through the use of the bag).

Are Mylar Bags BPA Free?

Yes, when manufactured correctly. Mylar bags do not have BPA. BPA is typically found in certain types of hard plastic containers and epoxy linings, not within the polyester film (PET) and polyethylene layers of Mylar packaging.

Although inexpensive plastics can potentially present issues to users, BPA is not one of the components in genuine Mylar bags.

As with any product, there can be great variability between different brands when it comes to quality.

When Are Mylar Bags a Problem?

Mylar (clear Mylar or foil) bags are not inherently hazardous to health. However, some scenarios may result in issues.

1. Poor Quality/Non-Verified Bags (Unknown Materials, Adhesives or Recycled Material)

Using bags made with unverified materials, poor quality adhesives or recycled materials that are not regulated as safe for food can create potential safety hazards. Many companies that manufacture these types of packaging have no material verification documentation.

2. Non Food Grade Inks & Adhesives

You should always avoid using ink from printers that contact products. Inadequate lamination or weak laminating seals could make the barrier ineffective. Professional bag manufacturers utilize food grade inks & laminating adhesives specifically created for packaging.

3. Excessive Heat Exposure

Mylar bags properly is safe. However, placing filled bags directly inside ovens and microwaves or exposing them to excessive heat over extended periods of time (i.e. longer than the intended purpose of the bag) is extremely risky. Longer-exposed heating will degrade the plastic used in the manufacture of the bags.

4. Repeat Use of a Bag with a Single Use Design 

Many Mylar bags have single use designs. Continually re-using and cleaning these bags, especially after they've been cleaned with harsh chemicals or after exposed to intense heat, may cause breakdown of the individual layers in the bag.

Are Mylar Bags a Safe Way to Store Food Long-Term?

Mylar bags are a common choice for long-term food storage due to the exceptional barrier properties provided by Mylar. This barrier keeps food safe from:

• Oxygen
• Moisture
• Light
• Odors

For this reason, Mylar bags are typically used for storing dry products such as rice, coffee beans, spice blends, nutritional supplements, and emergency food supplies. When used with oxygen fill absorbers, the shelf life of packaged food can be increased greatly without exposing the consumer to any toxin.

What About Supplements, Flower & Edibles Stored Mylar Bags?

Mylar bags are the superior choice for packaging all a range products.

Packaging needed for safety is one of the most important aspects of regulated industries. A properly designed Mylar bag does:

1. Prevent lost flavor
2. Prevent chemical contamination
3. Keep the product fresh and potent
4. Comply with all food contact regulations

In many instances, packaging violations have been caused by suppliers taking shortcuts or using inferior materials.

Myths & Misconceptions Regarding Mylar Bags

1. "Foil Bags Are Toxic Due to Chemicals Released"

This Is Incorrect. The ability for one to leach chemicals is entirely dependent on the type and quality of material used in the production of the bag and not just the fact that it is made of foil.

2. "Shiny Appearance Equals Toxic"

This Is Incorrect. Shiny surfaces are the result of either aluminum or metallized films. The metal is separated from the contents of the bag by other inner layers.

3. "Plastic Free Packaging Is Safer"

This Is Not Always True. Most types of paper packaging contain different types of coatings and adhesives that may be less stable than the properly designed Mylar bags.

Why So Many Brands Choose Custom Mylar Packaging

Numerous brands opt-for custom Mylar packaging as they offer excellent longevity against preserving your product's quality through moisture, light, and oxygen, along with excellent printing options for consideration in establishing and building a branding identity. As a result of their long-life cycle capabilities, barrier protection properties and customizable designs, the bags can be effectively used for packaging products that require both excellent freshness and shelf attractiveness.

If you want to see how these packaging materials are used in modern product packaging, you can explore different custom Mylar packaging options used by brands today.

Final Answer; Are Mylar Bags Toxic? 

No, Mylar bags are not toxic when they are made with food-grade materials. Mylar is a form of polyester film that is widely used in food packaging because it is stable, durable, and designed to prevent contamination.

Mylar bags are not considered toxic when they:

• Are made with materials intended for food-grade
• Come from trusted manufacturers
• Are being used for their intended purpose

The issue is with people/companies attempting to cut corners in the manufacturing of Mylar bags; the actual material itself is not considered hazardous/toxic.

When utilizing Mylar bags for food, supplements, or products regulated by the FDA, it’s best practice to place a higher priority on the quality of bag used versus the price of the bag. Therefore, you should work with suppliers who are knowledgeable about compliant packaging (not simply printing bags).

Food-grade Mylar bags can be used safely, as non-toxic when they come from reputable manufacturers, provided you use the Mylar bag correctly; problems only occur when using inferior/misbranded material.