Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 on Materials and Articles Intended to Come into Contact with Food

During processing, manufacturing, and storage, food comes into contact with various materials and products that can be a source of contamination. In order to reduce the risk of food contamination, regulations have been established regarding the safety of 17 groups of materials in contact with food during its production, storage, preparation, or serving.

To harmonize regulations concerning materials intended to come into contact with food, the European Commission established Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 in 2004. It specifies the main requirements for materials and products in contact with food, as well as labeling and traceability requirements, and the procedure for authorizing substances by the European Food Safety Authority.

Purpose of Regulation No 1935/2004 on materials and articles intended to come into contact with food

Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 October 2004 on materials and articles intended to come into direct or indirect contact with food aims to:

• establish uniform principles regarding food contact materials and articles (FCMs), such as food processing machinery, food transport containers, tableware, bottles, which may have direct or indirect contact with food;
• ensure a high level of human health protection;

• facilitate the free movement of goods, services, and capital anywhere in the European Economic Area;

Regulation EC 1935/2004 concerns contaminants resulting from the migration of chemical substances from materials in contact with food and their mixing. The regulations allow for the use of active and intelligent materials, which can extend the shelf life of food, provided that it does not affect its composition.

Four categories of food contact materials (FCMs) are subject to specific regulations:

1. monomers and additives for plastics (regulated by EU Regulation 10/2011)
2. intelligent and active materials and articles (AIM) (regulated by Regulation No 450/2009)
3. plastics materials derived from recycling (regulated by Regulation No 282/2008)
4. recovered cellulose film (RCF)

Requirements for food contact materials (FCMs) and articles defined in Article 3 of Regulation No 1935/2004

Requirement 1

Materials or articles intended for food contact (FCMs) should be manufactured according to good manufacturing practice (GMP) so that, under normal conditions of use:

• they do not release substances into food in quantities that could pose a risk to human health;

• they do not cause changes in the smell or taste of food;

• they do not cause unacceptable changes in the composition of the food or deteriorate its sensory characteristics;

Requirement 2

Labeling, advertising, and presentation of individual groups of materials and articles should not mislead consumers. Information should be visible, readable, and non-removable.

• packaging materials must be labeled as "for food contact" and bear the appropriate logo;

• labeling rules should include usage indications (e.g., table spoon) or the addition of symbols (glass and fork);

Requirements apply to materials and articles for direct and indirect contact. The regulations do not apply to antique materials, products, and coatings (e.g., cheese rind).

Benefits of Implementing Regulation No 1935/2004

Regulation EC 1935/2004 contains provisions for the general application for 17 groups of materials, such as plastics, metals, adhesives, ceramics, rubber, and wood.

Food Safety

• no migration of material components into food under normal or foreseeable conditions

• tests determine the migration of toxic substances into food (regulations establish an acceptable limit for materials intended for food contact)

• guarantee of food safety and nutrition

• materials and products do not have harmful effects on human health, do not alter the food composition, and do not introduce unwanted taste and odor

• information on the state of food, e.g., hiding signs of food spoilage

Clear Labeling

• products properly labeled
• clear indication "for food contact" or use of an equivalent symbol

• special recommendations to follow for safe and proper use

• marking or identification

Full Traceability of Materials

• appropriate marking or identifications ensuring the possibility of tracing the path of materials or products through labeling or proper documentation (identification of companies supplying and receiving materials)

• ability to withdraw faulty products
• ability to provide consumers with specific information and assign responsibility

Rubber Products in Compliance with Regulation No 1935/2004

At Power Rubber store, we offer rubber products compliant with Regulation EC 1935/2004 intended for food contact. They have no negative impact on consumer health or food quality. They meet all legal requirements.

If you would like more information about our rubber food contact products, please feel free to contact us at: +48 22 292 40 24 or +48 505 16 03 03, or via email (power|powerrubber.com| |Power|PowerRubber.com), or through our contact form