FCM compliance testing of polymeric materials ( plastic and rubber)
What to demand from raw material producers
Interview with Dr. Jessica Barbati – Laboratory Manager of TEC Eurolab
How to cope with FCM testing?
The tests required to assess thesuitability for food contact according to Reg. (EC) 1935:2004 of polymeric materials (plastics and rubbers) are numerous and complex, so they are costly.
The various regulations specific to the two types of materials require controls on the material and on the transfer liquids (simulants).
How to carry out a proper analysis?
It should beverified that all substances used in the production of the materials are allowed by current regulations and that the restriction limits for the surrendered substances are met.
Unfortunately for the laboratory, there are major analytical limitations: if you don’t know what to look for, you don’t know which analytical technique to use. There is no single technique that can detect all possible yielded substances.
Why cooperate with the manufacturer?
Cooperation with raw material producers is essential, and they are required to give the user (processor/printer), or at least the laboratory, information about the substances used.
What are the producer’s responsibilities?
It is sufficient for the manufacturer to state that it has used only monomers/additives allowed by the regulations and to indicate which of the substances used have a restriction limit.
Without this information, the analysis can only be partial, and those who use this raw material assume important risks and responsibilities towards the health of the end consumers, going against heavy penalties.
Therefore, it is advisable to always use suppliers who provide FCM-certified raw materials.
Indeed, each player in the supply chain must take responsibility.