Interim procedures for plastic additives used by food packers in Europe

22-Jan-07

The European Commission has set out interim procedures food packagers must follow when using plastic additives, until the bloc establishes a unified list of authorised materials and new amendments come into force next year. Plastic materials that are not listed in two interim lists can not be used in the bloc for food packaging. The interim lists are the list of additives contained in directive 2002/72/EC, which regulates plastic packaging materials, and a "provisional list" of other additives that are under evaluation by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for possible approval. The current list of approved additives in directive 2002/72/EC is not complete as additives not present on this list may be used if they are permitted by the national laws of the various member states. Manufacturers had until 31 December 2006 to submit scientific data on any additives not currently approved to EFSA for evaluation. During the period when the submitted data is being evaluated, companies can continue to use the additive, subject to national laws, until EFSA issues an opinion. The date has not yet been fixed to turn the incomplete list into a positive list. Under the directive the Commission will have to set an implementation date by 31 December 2007. Two EU lists of additives will continue to coexist from 1 January 2008 until the adoption of the positive list. Substances that have not been placed on the market in a member state before 31 December 2006 will not be included in the provisional list of additives. The material will be regarded as a new substance and can only be used after EFSA issues a favourable opinion.