Plastic food contact materials: what manufacturers must ensure
EU requirements for food contact materials are strict – incorrect compliance can result in market withdrawal.
Plastic products intended for food contact – such as packaging, containers, films, or kitchen tools – are subject to strict EU legislation. The key framework is Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004, which requires that materials must not release substances that could endanger health or alter food composition.
For plastics, Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 is essential, defining authorized substances and migration limits. Manufacturers must perform migration testing, verify composition, and prepare a Declaration of Conformity (DoC).
Common issues include:
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use of non-compliant materials,
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missing migration tests,
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incomplete or outdated documentation,
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lack of supply chain traceability.
Such shortcomings may lead to product recalls or regulatory penalties.
Ensuring compliance from the design phase is therefore critical for successful market access within the EU.