Learn more regarding the FCMs policy applicable to European producers and the official controls that are carried out by the competent authorities in the EU countries to verify business compliance with the requirements set out in agri-food chain legislation.
As the food industry seeks to ensure consumer well-being, FCMs' composition and regulatory compliance remain pivotal in maintaining food quality and safety standards. Food comes into contact with many materials and articles during its production, processing, storage, preparation and serving, before its eventual consumption. Such materials and articles include food packaging and containers, machinery to process food, and kitchenware and tableware.
These materials are called Food Contact Materials (FCMs).
Constituents of food contact materials that transfer from these materials into the food may affect the chemical safety of the food and affect human health, as well as the quality of the food, its taste and smell, and its appearance.
To ensure a high level of food safety, all food contact materials must comply with Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 on materials and articles intended to come into contact with food when placed on the European market.
In addition to this Regulation, all FCM must be manufactured in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP, Commission Regulation (EC) No 2023/2006), and specific Union legislation on certain materials, including on plastic and ceramics, as well as with National legislation on other materials.
EU official controls and enforcement in agri-food chain legislation
The agri-food chain encompasses activities preceding and comprising the production of food, i.e. from farm to fork, stable to table). It ranges from plants and animal production, to food manufacturing and supply; including activities that take place at the farm level, but also processing and distribution to the consumer.
Agri-food chain rules therefore cover the safety and quality of food and feed, plant health, animal health and welfare. They also cover import controls on animals and goods entering the EU from third countries (i.e. countries outside the EU).
The EU countries are responsible for the enforcement of agri-food chain legislation. Competent authorities organize official controls systems on their territory to verify that operators' activities and goods placed on the EU market (either EU produced or imported from non-EU countries) comply with relevant standards and requirements.
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