Each year, Worldwide Food Service Safety Month emphasizes the vital importance of food safety in safeguarding public health. While the spotlight is often on food handling and preparation, it’s equally important to consider the safety of materials that come into contact with our food. This year, we’re highlighting Food Contact Materials (FCM) Testing—a critical yet frequently overlooked aspect of ensuring food safety.

Food manufacturers must comply with stringent regulations to ensure the safety of packaging materials for every product they create. Food Contact Materials (FCM) Testing is essential to confirm that these materials meet safety standards and regulatory requirements. In addition to preserving the quality of ingredients, manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the safety of all materials that come into direct contact with food.

When we think about food safety, our minds often go to proper cooking methods, storage practices, and ingredient quality. However, an equally critical but less-talked-about aspect involves the materials that come into direct contact with our food, known as Food Contact Materials (FCMs).

FCMs are essential in maintaining the safety and quality of food throughout processing, storage, and consumption. Let’s explore what FCMs are, why they matter, and how testing ensures their safety and compliance.

What Are Food Contact Materials (FCMs)?

Food Contact Materials (FCMs) encompass any materials or objects designed to come into contact with food or beverages. These are commonly found in packaging, utensils, containers, and processing equipment. Examples include:

• Plastic: Used in food storage containers, wraps, and bottles.
• Metal: Found in cans, cookware, and utensils.
• Glass: Utilized for jars and bottles.
• Paper and Cardboard: Used in packaging and takeout containers.

Although FCMs are intended to be safe, they can occasionally release harmful substances into food through a process known as migration. This underscores the critical need for proper testing and regulatory oversight.

Here’s an overview of the potential risks and concerns related to Food Contact Materials (FCMs):

• Chemical Migration: Under certain conditions—such as exposure to heat, prolonged storage, or contact with acidic foods—chemicals from packaging, utensils, or coatings can leach into the food.
• Microbial Contamination: Certain FCMs, particularly porous materials, may harbour bacteria if not cleaned properly or if reused inappropriately.

How can GICG help?

Food contact material testing involves assessing materials like packaging, utensils, containers, and processing equipment that are intended to come into contact with food. The purpose is to ensure they are safe and meet regulatory standards, with the primary objective being to prevent the release of harmful substances into food that could pose health risks to consumers.

GICG provides comprehensive testing for a variety of food contact materials, including:

• Plastics, rubber, and silicone commonly used in food packaging, drink bottles, kitchenware, and gasket/closure sealing
• Ceramics, glass, and enamel primarily used in reusable items like cups, plates, bowls, or kitchenware.
• Metal alloys or metal films with plastic/resin top laminations, suitable for both single-use (disposable) and reusable kitchenware such as forks, spoons, or packaging.
• Paper used in disposable packaging, paper cups, and plates.
• Wood, typically used in chopping boards, bowls, and forks.
• Coatings applied to food contact materials such as metals or paper.
• Fabrics used in tablecloths or food wraps.
• Machinery used for food processing, along with equipment for storing, cooking, and serving food, is referred to as the complete finished FCM product. Examples include kitchen appliances like coffee machines, which contain metal alloy and plastic FCM components. Depending on the destination country, each component must undergo FCM testing to meet local regulations.

GICG offers a complete range of food grade tests on most types of food contact materials including the following test scopes:

• EN 1186 / EN 13130 / LFGB / BfR recommendation
• FDA 21 CFR 175 / 177 section & GRAS (General Recognize as safe)
• Thailand FCM requirement

GICG’s testing laboratories can support your products’ compliance with the FCM regulations governing your target market.

For more information on how GICG’s testing laboratories can support your products’ compliance with the FCM regulations governing your target market, please reach out to us via email at services.sg@gicgrp.com or visit us: https://gicgrp.com/testing/