Final answer:
New food storage containers with the UL Sanitation mark but not the NSF International mark are acceptable for commercial food storage if they comply with FDA regulations. While the FDA does not approve certain materials, it does ensure they meet specific safety standards. The presence of the UL Sanitation mark indicates the product has been tested and deemed safe for use in food operations.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you have received new food storage containers with the UL Sanitation mark but not the NSF International mark, it's important to understand that the FDA code distinguishes between materials and processes that are FDA-approved versus FDA-accepted in food processing. The FDA does not approve certain materials such as nonstick coatings but having an FDA acceptance indicates that the materials comply with the FDA's regulations for safety in food processing. In the case of food storage containers, the FDA looks for conformity with specific safety and sanitation standards.
UL Sanitation certification indicates that a product has been tested for sanitation and deemed safe for use in commercial food operations. Although the NSF International mark is a separate certification that also ensures food safety compliance, the presence of the UL Sanitation mark should mean that the containers are acceptable for use in commercial food storage, as long as they comply with the relevant FDA codes for materials used in contact with food.
This compliance is significant in ensuring that no contaminants that are hazardous to health, such as BPA from certain plastics, or unsafe color additives that are not FDA-approved or FDA-accepted, are present in containers used for food storage. It is also worth noting that foods like canned goods and baby bottles have specific recommendations to reduce exposure to potential contaminants, further stressing the importance of safe food storage practices.