Consultation on recycled plastics in contact with food

Food manufacturers and packaging suppliers considering recycled plastic for food packaging have until March 6 to respond to a consultation document issued by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

EFSA’s Scientific Panel on food additives, flavourings, processing aids and materials in contact with food (AFC) is consulting on draft guidance for submission of safety evaluation applications for plastics recycling processes intended for this purpose. The document aims to guide applicants in preparing applications that allow a risk assessment of the recycling process by EFSA.

Last month the European Commission Regulation on recycled plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with foods (SANCO/3447/2007) was adopted by the Standing Committee on the food chain and animal health.

Interested parties are invited to submit relevant comments via electronic templates provided by EFSA by March 6 2008. Comments submitted by e-mail or via surface mail are not admissible, said EFSA.