Solutions built to your specs & size
High-volume daily output
Certified global compliance
Export-ready global logistics
Food desiccants
Moisture is the primary catalyst for mold, spoilage, and clumping in packaged goods. Food-safe desiccants mitigate these risks by maintaining optimal internal humidity, extending shelf life for snacks, spices, and powdered ingredients.
Get free expert advice on your moisture control project
Direct vs. Indirect Contact
Understanding FDA contact classifications is critical for material selection and liability management.
- Direct Contact: The desiccant sachet sits in the same primary container as the food (e.g., beef jerky pouches). Both the adsorbent and the sachet film must meet 21 CFR standards for non-toxicity and chemical migration.
- Indirect Contact: The desiccant is isolated in a secondary compartment or cap (e.g., pharmaceutical bottles). While less restrictive, medical-grade purity is still the industry standard.
Safety Note: Even non-toxic, food-grade materials are classified as choking hazards. All sachets must feature high-visibility “DO NOT EAT” warnings using non-migratory, food-safe inks.
Technical Comparison: Silica Gel vs. Bentonite Clay
Choosing the right active agent depends on your specific environment and cost-efficiency targets.
Feature | Silica Gel (Synthetic) | Bentonite Clay (Natural) |
Composition | High-purity Silicon Dioxide | Montmorillonite Clay |
Best For | High-humidity environments; room temp. | Low humidity (30% RH); sustainability. |
Mechanism | Physical adsorption via vast surface area. | Moisture trapped between molecular layers. |
Regulatory | FDA 21 CFR 172.480 approved. | GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe). |
Eco-Impact | Energy-intensive synthetic production. | Low carbon footprint; naturally occurring. |
Critical Safety Differentiators
Industrial desiccants are dangerous in food applications. Ensure your supply chain distinguishes between them using these three criteria:
Indicators & Chemical Purity
- Food-Grade: Uses clear/white beads or safe organic indicators (Orange -> Colorless).
- Industrial: Often contains Cobalt Chloride (Blue -> Pink), a Group 2B carcinogen strictly prohibited in food packaging.
Sachet Integrity
Food-grade desiccants utilize Tyvek or medical-grade non-woven fabrics. These materials are:
- Dust-proof: Prevents particulate contamination of the food.
- Tear-resistant: High tensile strength to prevent accidental ingestion of loose media.
- Breathable: Optimized WVTR (Water Vapor Transmission Rate) for rapid adsorption.
Non-Migratory Inks
Standard industrial inks can bleed through packaging. Food-grade sachets use specialized, oil-resistant inks that will not migrate onto the consumable product, even under high-pressure shipping conditions.
