In the June/July edition of Food Safety Magazine George Misko, consultant at Keller& Heckmann, reports on the regulation of antimicrobials in food contact materials. He clarifies that in food, U.S. legislation distinguishes between antimicrobials used directly on processed foods and regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and antimicrobial residues in raw agricultural commodities which are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Antimicrobials used in food contact materials are also regulated as additives by the US FDA. Antimicrobials intended to have an effect on the food contact surface (such as maintaining the food free from microorganisms) are regulated by the EPA; when no lasting effect is intended the FDA maintains jurisdiction. Other than in processed foods, antimicrobials are considered pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and require registration with EPA irrespective of jurisdiction.
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George Misko (June/July 2014). “The regulation of antimicrobials in food packaging.” Food Safety Magazine.
