Plastics
Tuesday 9 August 2005
Regulations on plastic materials and articles apply to those that consist exclusively of plastics, or that are made up of two or more layers of plastic material bound together by adhesives or any other means. In their finished state, these plastics must be intended to be brought into contact with food.
What are plastics additives?
Additives are substances added to polymers or to the polymerisation medium to achieve a technical effect. Regulations on additives’ use divide them into these two categories.
To help companies seeking authorisation for the use of an additive not already listed, the European Commission has prepared illustrative lists of the types of substances considered to be additives.
What regulations govern plastics?
The Plastic Materials and Articles in Contact with Food (England)(No.2) Regulations 2006, , set an overall migration limit for all food contact plastics. This limit is 10 milligrams per square decimetre of plastic surface area in general.
However, a limit of 60 milligrams per kilogram of food applies specifically in the case of containers or similar receptacles with a capacity between 0.5 and 10 litres, or which have a contact area that cannot be determined; and for sealing devices such as caps, gaskets and stoppers.
The regulations also establish:
- 'positive lists’ of monomers, chemical compounds that can link together to form longer molecules with repeating structures (polymers);and starting substances permitted for use in the manufacture of food contact plastics
- any time limits on their use
- any specific migration limits
- an incomplete list of additives approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for use in food contact plastics
Finally, the regulations establish rules for testing migration from food contact plastics and for checking compliance with the regulations.
Who approves monomers and additives?
The European Commission, based on the independent expert opinion of EFSA and in agreement with EU member states.
What is the approvals process for including monomers or additives in the lists of the plastics directive 90/128/EEC?
Applications must be made to EFSA. The correct procedures are set out in the practical guide available on the EC website.
Is it legal to use an additive not listed in the approved list of additives?
Yes. Directive 2002/72/EC contains an 'incomplete list' of additives used in the manufacture of food contact plastics. Directives 2004/1/EC, 2004/19/EC and Directive 2005/79/EC update the list and the restrictions that apply to any of the additives on the list.
In addition, given that the list of additives will be closed in the future, it starts the process of creating a 'positive list'. The amended rules outline how to have an additive not currently on the list of additives added in time to allow it to continue being used. Additives not on the list, which meet the general requirements of the EC Regulation 1935/2004, can continue to be used until the Commission is able to propose a positive list.
Permitted 'food additives', may be used in the manufacture of food contact plastics. Their use however, will not be allowed to:
- have a technological function on the foodstuff
- exceed the limits set in food law for their use as authorised additives or flavourings
- exceed limits of foodstuffs prescribed in the Directive where their use is not authorised as a food additive or flavouring
Before being placed on the market, a written declaration must be given accompanying the material or article, where the material or article is to be used in contact with foodstuffs containing a food additive.
Where can I get more information about plastics?
Contact:
Food Contact Materials Unit
Food Standards Agency
Aviation House
125 Kingsway
London WC2B 6NH
Tel: 020 7276 8399
Fax: 020 7276 8514
E-mail: FoodContactMaterial@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk