The importance of food contact testing for retailers, private labels and manufacturers
Access to safe food has always taken a place of paramount importance for consumers all over the world.
Manufacturers and retailers must adopt a compliance strategy to:
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Prevent harmful chemical migration from materials to food
Food contact materials (FCMs) include kitchen utensils, coffee machines, household items and packaging. These products qualify as high-risk because of their prolonged exposure to food during different phases, from production to handling and storage. They can represent a potential source of contamination and pose health risks if chemicals migrate from the material into the food. -
Stay compliant with global regulations for FCM safety
Retailers, private labels and manufacturers must have confidence that their FCMs are free from harmful chemicals, compliant with global regulations for the specific destination markets and maintain high quality throughout their life — even under extreme conditions, such as microwave radiation, washing and heat. This can prove challenging, but UL Solutions’ experts are here to support you.
Furthermore, new materials are emerging as an alternative to plastics. Because the legislative is very fragmented, they may require a specific risk assessment. UL Solutions’ experts can help you navigate this process. -
Help protect consumers and reduce health risks
Inhalation
Dermal contact
Ingestion
UL Solutions simplifies market access across regional and international food contact materials regulations
With extensive experience throughout the food contact materials industry, UL Solutions offers a comprehensive portfolio of offerings to retailers, private labels and manufacturers who need to demonstrate compliance with safety, quality and compliance requirements. UL Solutions can also support you as you launch of innovative and quality articles that comply with your target markets’ requirements established to help protect end consumers.
Different countries have adopted compliance requirements and specific regulations for the safe use of FCMs, such as:
- European Regulation 1935/2004/EC – We can help you demonstrate compliance through appropriate testing to prove your product does not affect the organoleptic qualities of food and does not transfer its constituents to foods in quantities that could endanger human health. We also support companies in evaluating the labeling required for FCMs and checking the Declaration of Compliance (DoC) required by the law.
- Commission Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011 as amended – We offer can help you demonstrate food contact suitability for plastic materials and articles through appropriate testing (global and specific migration testing, assessment of food grade declarations for raw materials and risk analysis) and provide expert guidance on documentation to request from your raw material suppliers.
- European National Member States legislations – For FCMs regulations not legally harmonized in Europe, each individual Member State is free to apply national legislation. UL Solutions can provide technical support regarding the food suitability requirements in force in the various Member States and perform appropriate analyses to evaluate your products.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – UL Solutions can help determine the overall regulatory status of FCMs in the U.S. by performing a formulation review to evaluate whether each individual substance has clearance for the intended use under a regulation listed in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status, prior sanction or an effective Food Contact Substance Notification. In addition, UL Solutions offers testing to specific requirements found in U.S. FDA Title 21 CFR.
- Chinese Product Standards GB4806 for different materials and GB 9685-2016 National Food Safety Standard: Standard for the Use of Additives in Food Contact Materials and Articles
- Japanese Food Sanitation Act
- Japan's FCM positive list system
Why UL Solutions for food contact materials testing and services?
Global regulatory research team for real-time compliance updates
UL Solutions has a global regulatory research team to provide real-time updates on international, national and regional legislations and to offer support for protocol and test plan programs, as well as labeling assessments for global markets. Staying on top of the latest global regulatory updates can help you increase your speed to market while you work to demonstrate the safety and quality of your FCM products.
Training and documentation support for manufacturers and suppliers
UL Solutions can help you obtain, check and draft all the necessary documentation to obtain your Food Grade Declaration for raw materials or finished products, which you need to demonstrate that the article is suitable for contact with food. UL Solutions experts offer training and education for retailers, private labels, manufacturers and their global supply chains in different languages.
FAQs for food contact materials
- What are food contact materials (FCMs)?
Food contact materials (FCMs) include materials and articles intended to be in contact with food and/or drinks such as packaging, containers for foodstuffs transportation, cutlery, dishes and kitchen utensils.
They can also include materials used in food processing equipment, such as coffee machines and food production machinery.
- What regulations govern food contact materials?
Food contact materials are regulated by a variety of country-specific standards and regulations. A few key regulations include EU 1935/2004, 10/2011, U.S. FDA Title 21 CFR 177, and China’s GB standards.
- How does UL Solutions help with FCM compliance?
UL Solutions provides testing, advisory services, education, and documentation support to help manufacturers demonstrate compliance with global food safety standards.
- How long does food contact testing take?
Testing times vary based on the exposure time, but typically range from two to six weeks, depending on the product and regulatory requirements.
Food contact materials services
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