Should food processing facilities use blue FDA plastics, and what materials are available?

Blue FDA plastics are not required, but they are widely recommended for food processing applications due to their high visibility, which helps operators quickly identify fragments and reduce contamination risk. Many facilities specify blue materials for critical components like guides, star wheels, and wear strips to improve food safety and audit readiness. Common FDA-compliant options available in blue include UHMW, acetal (POM), and nylon, often with metal-detectable or X-ray detectable additives for enhanced safety.