The European Union is set to enforce new regulations on plastic food contact materials, with updated requirements taking effect from 16 March 2025. These amendments introduce stricter purity standards, migration limits, and labelling obligations for both virgin and recycled plastics.
For food businesses, this means increased scrutiny over the materials used in packaging and food processing equipment to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and consumer protection laws.
What Changes Are Being Introduced?
???? Stricter Purity Requirements
All plastic materials used in food contact must meet higher purity thresholds to prevent contamination risks. This applies to both new and recycled plastics used in packaging, processing equipment, and storage materials.
???? Tighter Migration Limits
The regulation lowers the allowable migration levels for certain chemical substances, ensuring that harmful compounds do not transfer from plastic packaging into food.
???? New Documentation and Labelling Rules
Businesses must demonstrate compliance through updated supplier documentation, batch testing, and labelling. This ensures full traceability and transparency in the supply chain.
What Does This Mean for Food Businesses?
✔ Supply Chain Oversight
Companies will need to work closely with suppliers to verify that all materials comply with new purity and migration standards.
✔ Updated Labelling Practices
Product labels must reflect compliance with updated EU regulations, ensuring clear communication with consumers and regulators.
✔ Increased Testing and Documentation
Businesses must maintain detailed records to verify that all food contact materials meet the new EU requirements.
✔ Audit Preparedness
With stricter regulatory enforcement, food businesses will need to demonstrate compliance during audits and inspections.
Certima’s Mission
At Certima, we emphasize the importance of turning audit results into lasting improvements. Tapping into our vast product category expertise, our audits help companies strengthen their processes, enhance food safety, and reduce risks in a way that lasts.