Food Migration

Everyday we use items that are potentially dangerous to our health, with items that are in contact with food certainly high on this list. Contamination of food can occur at almost any stage in its production but may also happen through contact with inappropriate containers or packaging material. 

Within the European Union there is a statutory requirement to ensure the safety of plastic materials in contact with food through compliance with Directive 2002/72/EC. This Directive is designed to ensure that packaging materials, containers or other plastic materials do not transfer substances that may themselves endanger health or do so by either changing the composition of a foodstuff or causing deterioration in its organoleptic properties. 

The regulations apply to a wide variety of products, including; 

  • Sandwich boxes
  • Drinks bottles
  • Kitchen utensils
  • Plastic tableware
  • Drinking straws
  • Chopping boards
  • Plastic wrapping 

Similarly, products sold in the USA must comply with the requirements of the American Food and Drug Administration. 

STR’s experienced analytical teams have for a number of years been working with manufacturers, suppliers and retailers alike to ensure that items in contact with food adhere to the demands of legislation in the regions of sale. 

STR understands the risk associated with the supply of items in contact with food and has developed a broad range of services that can minimise this risk and offer you the confidence you need when sourcing these products. They key services are; 

  • Product testing
  • Factory capability and social auditing
  • Product inspections
  • Consultancy (pre and post development)