Stakeholders are reminded that the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & Healthcare (EQDM) has published the first edition of its technical guide, ‘Paper and board used in food contact materials and articles.’ This supersedes the Council of Europe’s Policy statement, Version 4 dated February 12, 2009.
Published in May 2021, this publication consists of two parts:
- Part I. Council of Europe Resolution CM/Res (2020) 9 on the safety and quality of materials and articles for contact with food
- Part II. Technical guide on paper and board used in food contact materials and articles – a supplementary guide to Resolution CM/Res (2020) 9 that provides additional requirements for food contact paper and board
Food contact materials (FCM) made from paper and board with additional requirements include:
- Baking and filter paper
- Cups
- Food packaging
- Kitchen towels
- Napkins
- Plates
- Straws
Stakeholders should be aware recycled materials can be used in the manufacture of these products, except for filter, cooking and baking paper.
The document also includes details of specific migration requirements for a wide range of substances, including bisphenol A (BPA), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP, lead, and primary aromatic amines (PPAs).
For a summary of the requirements in EQDM’s technical guide, view SGS’s original SafeGuard 116/21.
SGS Food Contact Materials 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. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s Food Contact Materials Services.
SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full EDQM Issues Guideline for Food Contact Paper and Board SafeGuardS.
Subscribe here to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.
For further information contact:
Dr HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: (+852) 2774 7420
Email: crs.media@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail
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