Following
a ban by several European Union (EU) Member States on food contact
bamboo-melamine plastics, the European Commission has published the “EU
enforcement action on food contact materials (FCM) made of bamboo ‘powder’.”
Importers
of FCM made with bamboo powder have been required to submit an authorization
dossier according to Regulation (EC) 1935/2004, the Food Contact Framework
Regulation. The recent announcement stresses that food contact plastics can
only be manufactured or imported into the EU if they have been produced using
thoroughly assessed substances, such as additives, monomers and polymers, that
are in accordance with Article 5 of Regulation (EU) 10/2011 (Union list, Annex
I). FCM containing bamboo and other plant-based additives are not on this list
and are therefore not authorized as legal.
Despite
this, authorities are aware that several such products are still being made
available. Between 2019 and March 2021, most RASFF (Rapid Alert System for Food
and Feed) notifications for FCM containing bamboo fibers related to the
unauthorized use of bamboo additives as a filler. Alongside this, many products
are mislabelled as being made of 100% bamboo.
To
respond to this, stakeholders, including the EC, Member States and the EU Food
Fraud Network, agreed to launch an enforcement action plan in May 2021. The aim
of this is to:
- Ensure
non-compliant products are rejected at borders - Incorrectly
declared plastic product tax duties are recovered - Businesses
are reminded about the illegality of these products, including support via
e-platforms - Consumers
are made aware of health and other issues
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The
EC has stated it will assist EU Member States in ensuring these products are no
longer placed on the EU market.
SGS Food Contact Materials 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. After all, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s Food Contact Materials Services.
SGS
SafeGuardS
keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods
industry. Read the full EU Enforcement Plan
on Food Contact Materials Made of Bamboo Powder SafeGuardS.
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For
further information contact:
Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global
Information and Innovation Manager
Tel:
(+852) 2774 7420
Dr. Udo Krischke
Global Technical Manager RSTS
Tel: +49 6128 744 235
Email:
crs.media@sgs.com
Website:
www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn:
sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail
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SGS
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