Packaging
Food contact packaging plays a vital role in the journey of food from its origin to the consumer's table. Beyond just takeout containers and beverage cartons, it encompasses a wide range of materials used throughout the food industry. In the vast world of food production, safe and compliant packaging is critical, encompassing everything from the plastic bottles on grocery store shelves to the silicone baking molds used in the kitchen. Navigating the regulations for this diverse range of materials – paper, rubber, enamel, glass, ceramics, and more – is essential for ensuring food safety and market access. As the types of food contact packaging expand, so does the complexity of testing and the ever-evolving global regulatory landscape. Our laboratory specializes in comprehensive testing solutions and regulatory consultancy for food contact materials, empowering you to navigate complex requirements and enter markets with confidence.
Understanding the diverse and ever-evolving regulatory landscape for food contact packaging is critical for ensuring product safety and market access
United States (US)US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)21 CFR Part 177: Indirect Food Additives: Polymers
21 CFR Part 178: Indirect Food Additives: Adjuvants, Production Aids, and Components of Coatings
These regulations establish requirements for the safety and suitability of materials used in contact with food.
European Union (EU)• Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004: This framework regulation sets out the general principles for the safety of food contact materials (FCMs) within the EU.
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Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 (Plastics Regulation): Specifies requirements for the safety and composition of plastic materials intended to come into contact with food.
National Regulations within the European Union•
Germany (BfR Recommendations): The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) publishes recommendations that often influence the broader European market.
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France (DGCCRF Guidance): The French Directorate General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs, and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) issues detailed guidance notes for ensuring the safety of food contact materials.
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Italy (DM 21): Italy's Ministerial Decree 21 (1973) provides specific requirements for plastic, paper and cardboard intended for food contact.
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Spain (AESA Guidance): The Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) provides guidance and resources on food contact material regulations within Spain.
ChinaGB 4806 series:This series of national standards outlines the general safety and testing requirements for various food contact materials like plastics, ceramics, and paper.
Beyond verifying that your packaging materials themselves are safe, our laboratory helps you ensure they are suitable for their intended use. Through rigorous testing protocols, we determine if your packaging can withstand the heat of ovens or microwaves, the repeated cleaning cycles of dishwashers, and more. This data allows you to label your products with confidence, providing consumers with clear instructions for safe and optimal use.
