tags

Food Contact Materials
EU Corrects BPA Rules for Food Contact Materials, Clarifying Transitional Deadlines

On February 3, 2026, the European Commission published a revision to the regulation governing the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials and articles. The revised regulation entered into force on February 23, 2026. The revision aims to amend and clarify provisions in the earlier BPA regulation to address inconsistencies and improve regulatory clarity. It refines relevant definitions, clarifies transitional arrangements, and updates compliance requirements for the use of BPA in food contact materials and articles placed on the EU market, except for specific derogated applications.

Japan Seeks Public Comments on Two Amendments Regarding the Use of Recycled Materials in Food Contact Applications

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.

China Food Safety Standards for Coatings and Silicone Rubber Released!

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

Major Revision to Chinese Food Safety: 30 National Standards for FCMs and Articles Open for Public Comments

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.

China National Standard Updated: 13 High-Risk Additives Banned, Tighter Rules for Colorants and Migration Limits

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.