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On January 17, 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the filing of a food additive petition on behalf of the Environmental Defense Fund and others, requesting that the food additive regulations be amended to eliminate four specific s

On 9 February 2024, the European Commission announced a four-week consultation on a draft regulation aimed at strengthening the restriction of bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials (FCMs) and articles. The proposed legislation also covers other

At a meeting of the European Commission’s REACH Committee on 29 February 2024, EU Member States voted in favour of a Commission Regulation restricting perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), its salts and related substances. The proposal, originally submit

On February 28, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made a significant announcement, declaring that manufacturers have ceased selling grease-proofing substances containing Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) for food contact coat

On 13 March 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published on its official website the next steps in the evaluation of the proposal to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).   Outcome of the public consultation Following

On 12 March 2024, the National Health Commission of China (NHC) released a new standard GB 4806.15-2024 for adhesives in materials used for food preparation and storage. This new standard introduces controls on food contact materials (FCMs) including

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has issued a draft Indian Standard for Polystyrene (Crystal and High Impact) to ensure its safe use with food, pharmaceuticals, and drinking water. The standard, a revision of IS 10142, focuses on preventing toxic

The European Commission is in the process of amending the regulatory frameworks governing plastic materials and articles intended for food contact. A feedback period on a draft regulation ended recently and the amendments are planned to be adopted in

The National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA) in China has held a public consultation on seven food contact materials (FCMs) and additives. The consultation focused on innovations in food contact materials and additives and included a co

At their June meetings, the European Chemicals Agency's (ECHA) Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) have evaluated four key sectors and made provisional conclusions on the impact of the EU-wide proposal

Mercosur, the Common Market of the South, which includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, is currently considering two significant draft technical standards that are expected to impact regulations across all member countries once adopted. Th

Maine law 32 MRS §1733(3-B) requires the Department of Environmental Protection to initiate rulemaking to ban PFAS in food packaging as soon as safer alternatives are available. On April 18, 2024, the Board of Environmental Protection approved Chapt

In June 2024, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) released the first draft standard on ultramarine blue for use as a colourant in plastics for toys and food contact material. The draft is currently open for public comment until 23 August 2024.  

An EU initiative will ban the use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials in 2024. The EU is set to ban BPA in food contact materials such as packaging and kitchenware. The decision follows a scientific assessment by the European Food Safety A

On 2 September 2024, the Tanzania Bureau of Standards notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a draft standard (DARS 1721:2024) aimed at regulating recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) used for food contact.  The purpose is to enhance A

On 23 September 2024, the Brazilian regulatory agency ANVISA (the National Health Surveillance Agency) published two draft standards for public comment regarding the use of regenerated cellulose films in food contact applications. These standards pro

On 27 September 2024, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) approved amendments to the Standards and Criteria for Foods, Food Additives. This amendment revises the positive list of food contact materials (FCMs) under the Food Sanita

In a significant move to enhance food safety, India’s Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has launched a public consultation on the country’s first-ever standard for paper-based materials used in the delivery and serving of food and drink. The consu

On December 13, 2024, China’s Department of Food Safety Standards and Risk Monitoring and Assessment announced that two substances, have passed the safety assessment for use in food contact materials (FCMs) as new varieties. The safety evaluation w

On 6 February 2025, Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) published a Q&A document on its portal to clarify the provisions of a Positive List for Food Contact Materials (FCMs). The Positive List is currently in a 5-year transition period ending on