Compliance Program on EU Food Contact Regulation

The Intertek voluntary Program for Compliance against the EU Framework Regulation EU 1935/2004 (EC) helps navigate and verify a company's obligation and compliance towards the European Food Contact legislation.

Within the European Union, food contact materials such as packaging, kitchen ware and food processing equipment need to comply with Framework Regulation 1935/2004 (EC). The Framework Regulation lays down stipulations for materials and articles which are intended to come into contact with foodstuffs. Food contact materials need to be manufactured in compliance with good manufacturing practice and 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 odor of foodstuffs.  

Most companies find it difficult to cope with this regulation, Intertek regulatory experts can advice and assist companies on compliance against the Framework Regulation 1935/2004 (EC).

The Food Contact compliance program includes:

• Guidance and support in setting up a Declaration of Compliance (DoC). 
• Necessary tools, resources and information to gain a better understanding of the process. 
• Elements which can be selected, from a simplified screening program up to a full style program (including assessment of materials and substances against legislation and the actual migration testing). 

The Intertek food packaging, kitchenware and food processors compliance program will help companies in the food retail, food manufacturing, packaging, plastics and kitchenware industry to understand changes and ease the process for ensuring that their food contact materials are in compliance.

Participation into the Compliance Programs will mitigate liability and assure that the users brand image is protected. The Compliance Program also assists companies to comply with the requirements on packaging, kithcen ware and other food contact materials according quality standards in the food production e.g. BRC Packaging Standards or International Food Services (IFS). 

The programs are designed to help food packing, food contact materials and buying companies to ensure that their product speed-to-market is uninterrupted, by avoiding compliance problems at early stages in the supply chain and rapid problem-solving when issues do occur.

Starting May 1st 2011 the new Plastics Implementation Measure (PIM) has come into force. This regulation, (EU) No 10/2011, will replace, among others, the current Directive 2002/72/EC and the migration testing rules. Intertek experts assist companies in understanding the changes in the regulations and how to implement them within their own product portfolio.

Contact us to see how Intertek can help your organization with Compliance Program on EU Food Contact Regulation.