On November 18, 2025, the China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA) announced a public consultation concerning two new varieties of food-related products, including polyvinyl alcohol.

On October 2, 2025, UK has launched a public consultation on plans to completely prohibit the use of bisphenol A (BPA), other bisphenol analogues, and their derivatives in food contact materials.

On October 17, 2025, Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency, through its Food Sanitation Standards Review Section, announced a public consultation on two draft amendments related to materials that come into contact with food. The drafts include revisions to Monomers and Other Starting Materials Specified in Table 1 of Appendix 1 of the Standards for Foods, Additives, etc. and the Guidelines for the Use of Recycled Materials as Raw Materials in the Manufacture of Food Utensils and Container Packaging.

On September 25, 2025, the National Health Commission and the State Administration for Market Regulation jointly issued Announcement No. 6 of 2025, releasing 32 new national food safety standards and 2 amendment sheets. Among these, four standards are related to food contact materials, including: GB 4806.10-2025 Paints and Coatings for Food Contact Materials and Articles GB 4806.16-2025 Silicone Rubber Materials and Articles for Food Contact GB 31604.21-2025 Determination of Migration of Benzoic Acid, Phthalic Acid, and Benzenetricarboxylic Acid in Food Contact Materials and Articles GB 31604.64-2025 Determination of Migration of Citrate and Sebacate Compounds in Food Contact Materials and Articles

On July 29, 2025, the Secretariat of the National Food Safety Standard Review Committee announced the drafting of 30 national food safety standards, including the National Food Safety Standard-Standard for the Use of Nutritional Fortification Substances in Foods, for public consultation. This initiative is conducted in accordance with the Food Safety Law and its implementing regulations.

On July 3, 2025, the China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA) issued a significant announcement, officially soliciting public comments on the draft revision of the National Food Safety Standard - Standard for Uses of Additives in Food Contact Materials and Articles (Industry Draft for Comments). Commissioned by the National Health Commission (NHC), this revision aims to further enhance the safety of food contact materials.

Styrene is a chemical used in the production of plastic materials and items. In the EU, it is authorised for use in food packaging that is in direct contact with food.

On May 13, 2025, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA) issued 2 new food related products for public comments. Comments are welcomed before June 12, 2025.

On March 27, 2025, China’s National Health Commission (NHC) officially issued 50 new national food safety standards, with six standards related to food contact materials (FCM) drawing significant industry attention. The updates include one amendment to the Standards for the Use of Additives in Food Contact Materials and Products (GB 9685-2016) and five revised testing method standards under the GB 31604 series. These changes aim to strengthen the safety management of FCMs and safeguard consumer health.

CIRS Testing is to host a free webinar on the Updated Overview and Analysis of Chinese Food Contact Material Standards on March 27, 2025 at 9:30 (EST). This session offers an in-depth look at the latest developments in the regulatory framework and standards for food contact materials in China. It is crucial for manufacturers, regulators, and industry stakeholders who need to stay updated with Chinese standards to ensure compliance. Whether you work in production or regulatory roles, this webinar will offer essential insights into effectively managing the complexities of food contact materials in China.