Regulatory Framework of Food Contact: Time for Change?

The the Joint Research Centre (JRC) has recently published a report which mapped the current EU regulatory framework of FCM and highlighted that “the entire sector of  Food Contact Materials – FCM suffers to a certain extent from the current situation which exhibits a lack of harmonisation of materials listed under the framework regulation“. Indeed, there are multiple pieces of legislation across Member States, but they differ per sector. Also, the substances and limits allowed differ per MS.
Regarding Bisphenol A, prohibitions of this substance are more common than for other substances. Members of Parliament (MEPs) believe that this substance should be banned everywhere. 

ECHA adds bisphenol A as a substance of very high concern
The European Chemicals Agency added bisphenol A to the Candidate List of substances of very high concern. This list includes substances that have have an impact on human health and the environment. As such, the industry must apply for an authorisation to use the substances on this list.

Database on Food Contact Materials
The European Commission has set a database on FCM to inform about those substances that may be used in materials that are intended to come into contact with food.