Quick Guide to Food Contact Regulation
| Regulation | Description |
|---|---|
| Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 Full text | It is EU's framework regulation and sets out general requirements for all food contact materials (FCMs): - FCMs shall not release their constituents into food at levels harmful to human health or change food composition, taste and odour in an unacceptable way; - EU may set specific measures for certain groups of materials and articles (i.e, plastics). When a specific measure is adopted, business operators must provide written declaration of compliance (DOC) ; - Business operators must establish a traceability system for FCMs from production to distribution; - Labelling: Materials and articles, which are not yet in contact with food when they are placed on the market shall be labelled with the words ‘for food contact’, or a specific indication as to their use or the symbol below: |
| Regulation (EC) No 2023/2006 on GMP Full text | - FCMs should be manufactured in compliance with general and detailed rules on good manufacturing practice (GMP); - Business operators shall establish and implement both quality assurance system and quality control system, and maintain documentation system. |
| Specific Measures for Materials | - Only applicable to specific materials with special requirements on the positive list of food contact substanes, specification and restrictions. - Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 on plastic materials - Regulation (EC) No 450/2009 on active and intelligent materials - Regulation (EC) No 282/2008 on recycled plastic materials - Directive 84/500/EEC for ceramics - Directive 2007/42/EC for regenerated cellulose film - Resolution CM/Res(2013)9 on metals and alloys and its Technical Guide , for material like stainless steel, aluminum and other alloys, more detail can be found here For above materials, declaration of compliance (DOC) is required. Note: For FCMs with no specific EU measures, Member States may adopt their own national provisions on food contact materials. |
| Specific Measures for Substances | - Regulation 1895/2005/EC - restricting use of certain epoxy derivatives in FCMs; - Regulation EU No 284/2011 for kitchenware made of melamine or polyamide originating or consigned from China or Hong Kong. - Directive 93/11/EEC - release of N-nitrosamines and N-nitrosatable substances from rubber teats and soothers |