SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, is advising companies operating in South Korea that the government has announced plans to revise its food contact materials and articles standards and specifications.
The South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) issued Notice No. 2022-461 on October 14, 2022. This announced proposals to amend several provisions in ‘Standards and Specifications for Utensils, Containers and Packages’.
Amendments include:
– Details the standards and requirements for recycled plastic materials that are used for utensils, containers and packages
– Adds polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) as a new material under synthetic resins – proposed requirements:
1. Lead: no more than 1 mg/L
2. Potassium permanganate consumption: no more than 10 mg/L
3. Overall migration: no more than 30 mg/L
4. Terephthalic acid: no more than 7.5 mg/L
5. Isophthalic acid: no more than 5 mg/L
6. 1,4-butanediol: no more than 5 mg/L
– Revises language to, inter alia, improve methodologies and instrumentation
Food contact materials and articles are regulated by the Food Sanitation Act in South Korea. Chapter 3 of the Act prohibits the presence or use of toxic/harmful chemicals in food contact utensils, containers and packages that could endanger human health. The Act also directs the MFDS to establish standards and specifications for these products.
The MFDS will accept comments until December 13, 2022.
SGS Food Contact Material Services
SGS’s technical experts have extensive experience of testing materials and articles in contact with food. They can ensure that your products meet the appropriate regulations for food contact materials and pave the way for compliance. SGS offers the full range of testing, including migration tests, along with expert advice on emerging regulations, compliance issues and documentation review. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s Food Contact Material Services.
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For further information contact:
Dr. Hingwo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: +852 2774 7420
Email: cp.media@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/cgnr
LinkedIn: sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail
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