This fact sheet provides information on the exposure to nickel via food contact materials and articles, the existing state of knowledge regarding its potential impacts, and the protection offered to consumers by regulations and other means. The general public expect food for human consumption to be wholesome, nutritious, and above all, safe to eat. Indeed, food regulations across the globe that govern food contact materials and articles all share the common theme of consumer safety. Nickel-containing stainless steels are one of the most widely used food contact materials. Release of nickel is required for human exposure and toxicity to occur. Established test protocols offer a means of estimating the release (migration) of substances into food under controlled conditions. Well-designed and well-executed studies on commonly used stainless steel food contact materials and articles indicate that the amount of nickel transferred into food is very small, especially in comparison to the naturally occurring levels in many foods and within the release limits set for food contact materials and articles.
