food contact material
Any material, typically packaging or kitchen equipment, designed to come into contact with foodstuffs
In food safety, a food contact material (FCM) is any material or object that comes into direct or indirect contact with food, such as packaging, containers, utensils, machinery, or coatings. Chemicals from these materials can sometimes migrate into food, so their safety must be carefully assessed.
EFSA evaluates food contact materials to ensure that any substances that could migrate into food do not pose a risk to human health. This involves studying the chemical composition, potential migration into food, and toxicological effects. EFSA’s scientific advice helps regulators set safety standards and guidelines for materials used in food packaging and processing, protecting consumers from harmful exposure.