The European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM) of the Council of Europe has published the second edition of the technical guide “Metals and alloys used in food contact materials and articles”. Intended for regulators and business operators and designed to enhance the harmonisation of technical standards, this work aims to improve consumer health protection across Europe.
The second edition reflects the latest scientific opinions and research from national risk-assessment bodies, compiled through a concerted consultation among stakeholders. It features modified safety data on specific release limits for chromium and manganese, and a new section on zirconium, as well as general recommendations for release testing. Updated methods for the measurement of certain articles will also facilitate the calculation of specific release for control laboratories.
The revised guide is the result of an extensive review by the European Committee for Food Contact Materials and Articles (CD-P-MCA) and follows the adoption of Council of Europe Resolution CM/Res(2020)9 providing guiding principles for the safety and quality of food contact materials and articles.
Download and further information
The main updates in the technical guide will be presented at the Joint EDQM-AESAN symposium on “Recent developments in food contact materials and articles” (18‑19 September 2024) in the presence of contributors and stakeholders, including regulators, business operators and industry representatives.
The electronic version of the guide can be downloaded for free online: “Metals and alloys in food contact materials and articles”. The paper version is available for pre-order at the EDQM WebStore.
See also:
- Publications on food contact materials and articles
- Council of Europe’s policy statements concerning food contact materials and articles