The World Trade Organization (WTO) has circulated a
proposal by the Malaysian government to expand the scope of its restrictions on
lead and cadmium in ceramicware to include ceramic cookware.
Food contact ceramics are regulated under Regulation
28 of the Food Regulations 1985 in Malaysia. This law applies to food contact
ceramic flatware, small hollowware (< 1.1L) and large hollowware (≥ 1.1L).
It covers a variety of provisions, including requirements relating to:
- Migration of lead and cadmium (Thirteenth Schedule (Regulation 28) to Food Regulations 1985)
- Physical/performance characteristics
- Labeling
Ceramicware is defined in the current law as any
appliance or package of ceramic article which is used as food-ware for the
preparation, packaging, storage, delivery, or exposure of food for human
consumption. Materials include bone china, porcelain, vitrified china, and earthenware,
including iron stoneware and stoneware.
If accepted, the proposal will amend Regulation 28 of
the Food Regulations 1985 with two important changes:
- Creating the new section 28(2) to Regulation 28 of the Food Regulations 1985 by providing a definition for cooking ware – any ceramicware which is intended to be heated by conventional thermal methods or microwaves
- Amending the Thirteenth Schedule for the permissible migration limits for lead and cadmium in these products. The limits will be:
- Lead – less than or equal to 0.5 mg/L
- Cadmium – less than or equal to 0.05 mg/L
The draft amendment was circulated by the WTO in March
2020, attached to WTO document number 20-2546. Comments on the proposal will be
accepted until May 30, 2020.
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. Learn more about SGS’s Food Contact Material Services.
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