New EU regulation further restricts use of Bisphenol A in plastic food contact materials
Special focus on protection of infants and young children
The new Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/213 of 12 February 2018 on the use of bisphenol A in varnishes and coatings intended to come into contact with food and amending Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 as regards the use of that substance in plastic food contact materials considerably tightens the limit values for this substance.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is used amongst others in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins used in varnishes and coatings e.g. for the interior of food and beverage cans. BPA is suspected of being harmful to health.
Since 2011, the substance has been prohibited in the manufacture of infant feeding bottles. The new EU Regulation now extends this prohibition to the use of BPA in the manufacture of infant drinking cups as well as to the migration of BPA from varnished or coated materials intended to come into contact with food for infants and children from 0 to 3 years.
Moreover, the specific migration value for BPA in plastic food contact materials was lowered from 0.6 mg/kg to 0.05 mg/kg and these requirements extended to coatings and varnishes.
The new requirements apply from 6 September 2018.
How does the new regulation affect your product? Contact our experts!
Dr. Carsten Voigt, , phone +49 3722 7323-795