China Issues Draft Regulations on Food Contact Metallic Materials

FANLING, China - Dec. 29, 2015 - PRLog -- Public Consultation Period Draws to a Close

Multiple draft regulations were released [1] for public consultation on the 29th of September, 2015. The consultation period is one month. This Safeguard covers the requirements for metallic food contact materials and articles.

This new regulation will eventually supersede all the previous regulations on metallic material and articles (i.e. GB 9684, GB 11333). The technical requirements are split into two parts: material and article.

Materials Regulations Tightened

The regulation specifically demands that the composition of materials correspond to the declared type. On one hand, this minimizes market deceit. On the other hand, this creates certain barriers to the innovation of metallic materials.

Other requirements are listed in the first table in the latest Safeguards bulletin (http://www.sgs.com/en/Our-Company/News-and-Media-Center/News-and-Press-Releases/2015/11/SafeGuardS-18515-China-New--draft-on-food-contact-regulation-for-metallic-materials-and-articles.aspx).

Pb is a common element coexisting in natural iron ore. Although this requirement places a certain amount of pressure on iron products (cast iron grill, iron wok, etc.), it will help to mitigate exposure to these toxic substances in the long run.

Regulations on Articles Address Sensory and Migration Issues

The requirements on articles include two categories: sensory and migration.
The FCM article shall not bring deterioration to the organoleptic properties of the food. The material itself shall pass inspection (e.g. no crack, no rust).

The migration limits are listed in the second table in the latest Safeguards bulletin (http://www.sgs.com/en/Our-Company/News-and-Media-Center/N...).

The migration test is similar to the Council of Europe’s metal guideline, “Metals and alloys used in food contact materials and articles: A practical guide for manufacturers and regulators” (EDQM) [2]. If the product is placed in contact with acidic food, 5g/L citric acid is applied as the stimulant. If not, artificial tap water is applied. The draft also listed a short table exemplifying the test conditions for typical products. It is worth noting that for electric and electronic kitchenware, actual use (product manual) condition can be used for testing.

Special Limitations

Uncoated aluminium and aluminium alloys, copper and its alloys, and plated metal are prohibited from being placed in contact with acidic food. Based on survey results, these metals show the highest migration among all metal types.

References:

[1] National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People’s Republic of China – National food safety standards - 29 September 2015 (http://www.nhfpc.gov.cn/zhuzhan/zqyj/201509/342e1a7b15d24...)

[2] European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & Healthcare – Cosmetics and Packaging Guides (https://www.edqm.eu/en/Cosmetics-packaging-guides-1486.html)

About SGS Hardgoods Services

SGS technical experts have extensive knowledge and testing experience in materials and articles in contact with food. They work to ensure that consumer products meet the appropriate regulations for food contact materials (http://www.sgs.com/en/Consumer-Goods-Retail/Food/Processors-and-Suppliers/Testing-and-Analytical-Services/Food-Contact-Tests.aspx) and pave the way for compliance. From overall migration tests to expert advice on emerging regulations and compliance issues and documentation review, SGS is the partner to trust.

Please do not hesitate to contact an SGS expert for further information.

Contact details:

SGS Consumer Testing Services
Dr. Samuel Lee
GCSC FCM committee

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