A Review on Regulatory Aspects of Food Contact Materials (FCM’S)

Abstract

Since the advent of commercial production of Food Contact Materials (FCM) and their extensive use in day to day life, many harmful effects on health were reported to be caused due to ingestion of food contaminated with constituents that migrated from FCM. Over the years, this aspect of food safety from FCM rose to be an important research interest and thus added scientific information on FCM. Based on the scientific evidence and new issues being raised (E.g. BPA replaced by other substances), these regulations are also being molded from time to time across the world. Therefore this review aims at providing an overview of regulations and amendments on FCM in various countries with emphasis on important aspects (e.g. traceability and safeguard measures of EU framework regulations, Food contact notification of USFDA, etc.) in FCM laws. Hereunder, for a better understanding of these regulations, various countries reviewed in this article are grouped into 3 categories, i.e. – countries having 1) specific regulations 2) Non- specific/ few regulations 3) No data available on FCM regulations. Though these regulations differed from one country to other, all were formulated with a primary objective, of ensuring consumer food safety. This review will not only help in ensuring food safety but also helps in, to strengthen regulatory framework and grow in trade, fulfilling the gaps with global FCM regulations.