Skip to main content

Food contact material applications: frequently asked questions

EFSA provides scientific advice on the safety evaluation of substances used in food contact materials (FCM) including active and intelligent materials and of the recycling processes for recycled plastics used in FCM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some general questions that we often receive are available in our Connect.EFSA portal dedicated FAQ page

1. Are the requirements the same for all food contact material evaluations?

The application procedure set down in Regulation EC 1935/2004 in EFSA’s guidance applies the same administrative and technical requirements to all substances (and recycling processes for recycled plastics) used in FCM. There are, however, additional scientific requirements for:

  • Plastic materials – Regulation EC 10/2011 sets out specific requirements for substances intended to be used in plastic food contact materials and EFSA has published a scientific guidance and an administrative guidance to help applicants in preparing an application.
  • Recycling processes for recycled plastics used in FCM – Regulation EC 282/2008 lays down additional requirements for these processes and EFSA has published guidelines on recycling processes for recycled plastics that are essential reading for completing the related technical dossiers (see also the scientific opinion on the scientific criteria for PET recycling for recycled FCMs). The European Commission has also published an informative Q&A on recycling processes as an aid for applicants.

  • Active and intelligent substances – Guidelines on submission of an application. Until a Union list is established by the European Commission the general six-month period for risk assessment does not apply for active and intelligent substances.

Legislation, guidance and other documents on these and other specific materials and processes is also available on the European Commission website.

2. Short cuts for applicants