In an article published on June 5, 2019, regulatory news provider Chemical Watch informed about an open public consultation on a draft national standard for adhesives used in food contact materials (FCMs) in China. The country’s National Centre for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA) developed the draft standard that includes two positive lists of base polymers allowed in the production of food contact adhesives. The lists define the substance name, CAS number, maximum use amount (in %), specific migration limits, and maximum permitted quantities. Two appendices are also included in the standard defining substances that (i) can be used as raw materials “in adhesives that have both direct or indirect FCM use” and (ii) those that can be used only “in adhesives for indirect contact with FCMs.” The standard’s listing of base polymers rather than monomers is noted as being at odds with the approach being taken by other jurisdictions.
Companies will be required to complete migration testing on any FCMs using an adhesive included in the draft standard, as well as testing on the finished FCM product itself. An overall migration limit of 10 mg/dm2 is set as a general safety requirement within the standard. The standard also specifically mentions that the design and manufacture of joints and edges of FCMs should be strictly controlled. The draft version of the standard is currently open for public comment until July 20, 2019.
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Ellen Tatham (June 5, 2019). “China consults on draft standard for FCM adhesives.” Chemical Watch
Reference
CFSA (May 22, 2019). “Letter on the Opinions on Soliciting 26 National Food Safety Standards (Draft for Comment).” (in Chinese)
