Removes list of unevaluated substances used in packaging inks; updates positive lists of for packaging inks, plastics, and silicones; brings ceramic and glass regulations in alignment with EU
German printing ink ordinance comes into force
Federal Council adopts 21st Amendment to Consumer Goods Ordinance regulating printing inks and varnishes that directly or indirectly contact food; includes updated positive list of monomers, additives, colorants, solvents, and photoinitiators; phase in period set until the end of December 2026
Switzerland adds 53 substances for use in FCM inks
Swiss government revises list of allowed substances for food contact material (FCM) inks, adds 53 substances; allows only chemicals not in direct contact with food and if no migration possible; effective from December 1, 2020
China publishes five draft FCM standards
National Health Commission (NHC) standards refine existing requirements for composites, printing inks, paper/paperboard, bamboo/wood, and detergents used in food contact; public comments being accepted until November 30, 2020
BfR warns against contaminants from azo dyes in FCMs
German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment measures migration of 4 chemicals associated with azo dyes in paper food contact materials; finds migration levels to exceed estimated safe intake levels; recommends materials containing the substances be avoided until more toxicity data available
Photoinitiator industries form trade group
Producers and distributors of photoinitiators plan to form ‘Photoinitiators Platform’ to provide unified representation in REACH and FCM matters
New Chinese standards for inks and adhesives coming soon
China National Centre for Food Safety Risk Assessment drafts new standards for food contact adhesives and printing inks, revises other existing standards
EFSA: 6th FIP network meeting on FCMs
EFSA’s Food Ingredients and Packaging Scientific Network held 6th meeting on food contact materials on July 10-11, 2018, discussed ongoing activities, printing inks, paper and board FCMs
Toxic napkins
CHEM Trust revisits issue of paper napkin contamination by primary aromatic amines used in ink production, calls for improved regulation of chemicals in food contact paper and inks
Non-harmonized FCMs and plastic recycling
Smithers Pira 2017 conference on plastic and paper in contact with food covers initiatives by industry associations and recycling of plastic FCMs