EU Resolution Calls for More Effective EU-wide Food Contact Materials Regulation

The European Union (EU) has published a non-legally binding resolution on food contact materials and articles (FCM) that calls for a more effective, EU-wide regulation.

The Resolution on the Implementation of the Food Contact Materials Regulation, Regulation (EC) 1935/2004) was originally adopted by the European Parliament on October 6, 2016. The EU then published the resolution on June 19, 2018, under 2018/C 215/11, with the acknowledgement that a more effective piece of EU-wide legislation was required.

In particular, it contains calls for the following requirements:

• Adoption of specific measures for 13 FCMs not harmonized at the EU-level: adhesives, corks, rubber, glass, ion-exchange resins, metals & alloys, paper & board, printing inks, silicones, textiles, varnishes & coatings, wax and wood
• European Commission (EC) to prioritize specific EU measures for paper & board, varnishes & coatings, metals & alloys, printing inks and adhesives
• Further research into preventing the migration of mineral oils from food contact paper and board materials
• Proper assessment of substances used in the manufacture of FCMs and non-intentionally added substances (NIAS), including impurities from intentionally added substances and other substances resulting from chemical reactions
• Better coherence between REACH and FCM legislation, to ensure substances phased out under REACH are also phased out in FCMs – especially substances that are carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic categories 1A, 1B and 2 (CMR substances), or substances of very high concern (SVHCs) under REACH
• EC urged to create legislative proposal to strengthen the migration limits for lead and cadmium in ceramics
• Support initiatives to develop new substances that are safe for humans – NB. bisphenol S (BPS) should not be considered as a safer alternative to bisphenol A (BPA)
• Recommendation that all FCMs be accompanied by a Declaration of Compliance (DoC) regardless of whether they are under specific pieces of harmonized legislation
• Mandatory labeling for:
o Nanomaterials
o Composition of FCMs used for organic products and products for critical groups
• Recommendation to introduce EU standards to test consistency in FCM categories
• Obligation for manufacturers and importers of FCM to officially register business activities

Stakeholders should be aware that publication in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) means the President is now instructed to forward the resolution to the Council, the EC and Member States. Stakeholders are advised to check their products are compliant with the latest FCM requirements under EU law.

SGS Food Contact Material Services
SGS’s technical experts have extensive experience of testing materials and articles in contact with food. They can ensure that your products meet the appropriate regulations for food contact materials and pave the way for compliance. SGS offers the full range of testing, including migration tests, along with expert advice on emerging regulations, compliance issues and documentation review. Learn more about SGS’s Home Furnishings & Houseware Services. [http://www.sgs.com/en/consumer-goods-retail/hardgoods/home-furnishings-and-houseware]

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full EU Publishes Resolution on Implementation of the Food Contact Materials Regulation SafeGuardS. [www.sgs.com/en/news/2018/06/safeguards-09018-eu-publishes-resolution-on-implementation-of-the-food-contact-materials-regulation]

Subscribe here, www.sgs.com/subscribesg, to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

For further information contact:

Hingwo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel:(+852) 2774 7420
Email: crs.media@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines

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This release was published on openPR.