Packaging
The FSAI has as its mission the protection of consumers' health and interests by ensuring that food meets the highest standards of food safety and hygiene. An important aspect of the food chain supply is the materials and articles that come in to contact with food.
In particular, there is a risk that food packaging could release harmful substances into food (migration). Regulations exist to control the use of food packaging: a framework Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004) which applies to all materials, and specific laws on individual materials such as plastics (Directive 2002/72/EC and amendments). Future laws in this complex area could have implications for your business if your products are used as food packaging. See information on legislation applicable to materials and articles intended to come into contact with foodstuffs
In order for the FSAI to advise the packaging industry of standards and legislation in this area, the confidential questionnaire below is an important starting point in this process. The aim is to identify suppliers, distributors and importers of food packaging in Ireland , so that they can be consulted in advance of proposed new laws, and provided with the information they and their customers in the food industry require to ensure food is safe.
Complete the Irish Packaging Industry Survey
Food Contact Materials
Food Contact Materials - Legislation Update
Commission Regulation (EC) No 597/2008 (OJ L164, p12, 25/06/2008) of 24 June 2008 amending Regulation (EC) No 372/2007 laying down transitional migration limits for plasticisers in gaskets in lids intended to come into contact with foods PDF 35kb
The following documents are available from EFSA
Read more about legislation on materials and articles in contact with food
Last reviewed: 19/3/2009