Civil society organizations introduce new certification program for reusable food packaging

Standard aims at improving chemical safety of reusable food contact articles and reducing plastic waste; involves rigorous testing and transparency of ingredients used in the packaging

Chinese government and industry work on FCM regulation

China amending the national food contact material (FCM) regulation for the first time since 2016; amendments would expand use of previously approved food contact chemicals (FCCs) and food additives; redefines FCM to clarify that packaging material must contact the food item; industry association issues draft guidance; regulatory agencies approve or in process of approving multiple new FCCs

New standardization proposal on reusable plastic tableware for food use

The European Standardisation Committee on Plastics approves new work item proposal on reusable plastic tableware; withstanding five dishwashing cycles set as a new criterion for labeling plastic tableware as reusable

Tanzania proposes heavy metal limits in FCMs

Tanzania’s Bureau of Standards proposes limits for heavy metals, total aromatic amines in food contact materials (FCMs); notifies World Trade Organization (WTO) of positive list for colorants and dyes; adoption set for July 2021, becomes effective January 2022