Chapter 12: Food Package Testing Authorities and Regulations

This chapter introduces the regulations for food contact materials (FCMs) in Europe, the United States, and Asia. The general rules for all materials and articles in contact with food are harmonically laid down for all member states in the Framework Regulation. The Italian authorities mandated product callbacks and whole European packaging and food industry was impacted. An in-depth investigation of unwanted substances in packaging materials from reused paper and board, financed by German Ministry of Nutrition, Agriculture and Consumer Safety, has studied mineral oils in materials and foods. Food contact materials need to be produced according to good manufacturing practices (GMP). In 1995, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) introduced threshold of regulation (TOR) exemption process. Chemistry information includes data on the identity, manufacture, stability, technical effect, and proposed use of the FCS. Migration in different simulants is weighted by food type distribution factors that describe fraction of food in contact with material that is aqueous, acidic, alcoholic, and fatty.