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On 13 November 2004
the new Framework Regulation on materials and
articles intended for food contact was
published in the Official Journal.
The
Framework
Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 (L338/4) states
that food contact materials shall be safe.
They shall not transfer their components into
the food in quantities that could endanger
human health, change the composition of the
food in an unacceptable way or deteriorate
the taste and odour of foodstuffs.
The Regulation also
includes the following provisions :
- If an article is
intended for food contact it shall be
labelled for food contact or bear the
symbol with a glass and fork. In cases
where the intention for food contact is
obvious by the nature of the article e.g.
knife, fork, wine glass, this labelling is
not obligatory.
- Labelling,
advertising and presentation of food
contact materials shall not mislead the
consumer.
The Regulation
establishes 17 groups of materials and
articles which may be covered by specific
measures :
- active and
intelligent materials and articles
- adhesives
- ceramics
- cork
- rubbers
- glass
- ion-exchange
resins
- metals and
alloys
- paper and
board
- plastics
- printing inks
- regenerated
cellulose
- silicones
- textiles
- varnishes and
coatings
- waxes
- wood
Up to now specific
measures exist for ceramics, regenerated
cellulose and plastics.
On active and
intelligent packaging the Regulation includes
definitions and it specifies that these
materials and articles may induce changes in
the foodstuff, only, if the food then still
complies with the Community provisions
applicable to food such as those on food
additives. These materials and articles shall
especially not be used to mask spoilage of
the food and shall not mislead the
consumer.
The Regulation lays
down the procedure to be followed for
authorisation of substances to be used in
food contact materials and articles including
the evaluations of the
European
Food Safety Authority, and the opinion of
the
Standing
Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health
(SCFCAH).
From 26 October
2006 food contact materials and articles
shall be traceable throughout the production
chain.
The Regulation
enters into force 3 December 2004 and
replaces the Framework Directive 89/109/EEC
and Directive 80/590/EEC.
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