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Food Contact Materials Factsheet

Thursday, 23 January 2014

This factsheet outlines what a food contact material (FCM) is, the different types of FCM and the applicable legislation.

Any material intended to come into contact with food, that is already in contact with food, or that can reasonably be expected to come into contact with food, is considered to be a food contact material (FCM). This includes packaging materials, cutlery, dishes, containers, processing machinery, cutting boards, etc. Materials and articles which are in contact with water intended for human consumption from the point at which they enter a food business premises, are also considered to be food contact materials.