In a press release published on April 9, 2019, the industry association Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) announced the launch of the “completely rewritten” voluntary industry guideline for ensuring safety and compliance of food contact materials (FCM) and articles made of paper and board.
The now-revised document was first published in 2010 and updated in 2012. It “outlines how to meet the highest safety standards for paper and board products used in food contact applications,” thus serving to “fill the gap” in the absence of specific EU legislation for paper and board FCMs. Practical recommendations are provided with regard to product design and material selection, Good Manufacturing Practice, risk management, traceability, and labeling, as well as testing methods and communication in the supply chain. Special consideration is also given to the use of recycled paper in food contact applications.
The updated guideline is expected to “enhance the trust of public authorities, business operators and consumers in the safety of paper and board materials for food contact applications.”
Read more
CEPI (April 9, 2019). “PRESS RELEASE: Paper and Board industry helps demonstrate safety of its materials in food contact applications.”
Chemical Watch (April 11, 2019). “Paper, board sectors release amended FCM guidelines.”
Reference
CEPI (April 2019). “Food Contact Guidelines for the compliance of paper & board materials and articles.” (pdf)
