Food Contact Materials (FCM) refer to all materials and products that may come into direct or indirect contact with food under normal or foreseeable conditions of use. These materials include but are not limited to packaging materials, tableware, kitchen utensils, etc. Their safety and quality directly affect food safety and consumer health.
Main products and application scenarios
Plastic: widely used in food packaging, cling film, disposable tableware, etc.
Metals, such as aluminum foil and stainless steel kitchenware, have good corrosion resistance and thermal conductivity.
Glass: commonly found in beverage bottles, seasoning jars, etc., it is popular for its high transparency and stable chemical properties.
Paper and cardboard: suitable for disposable meal boxes, takeaway packaging and other fields.
Ceramics: Used for making daily utensils such as bowls, plates, tea sets, etc.
Rubber and silicone: commonly used in sealing rings, baking molds, and other products.
The quality of food contact materials is not only related to the quality of the food itself, but also directly affects the physical health of consumers. If these materials contain harmful substances, they may migrate to food and be ingested by the human body. Therefore, ensuring the safety of food contact materials is one of the necessary conditions for maintaining public health.
In order to ensure food safety, countries and regions have formulated corresponding laws and regulations to regulate the production and use of food contact materials. For example:
EU: According to Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004, all types of FCMs have been regulated and more detailed guidance documents have been issued for specific materials.
In the United States, it is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and managed through the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) and its accompanying regulations.
China: The National Health Commission, together with the State Administration for Market Regulation and other departments, has issued a series of national standards, such as the GB 4806 series standards, covering various requirements from raw materials to finished products.
Possible hazards
Food contact materials and products may affect the odor, taste, and color of food during contact, and may release toxic chemicals such as heavy metals and additives. These chemicals migrate into food and are then ingested by the human body, posing a health hazard.
With the continuous improvement of people's requirements for quality of life, the safety of food contact materials is also increasingly valued. Choosing qualified products and regularly monitoring industry trends and technological advancements is crucial for protecting one's own and family's health.
