|
Brussels, |
|
Food Safety Packaging
Food packaging is a core part of the EU food safety system because it helps prevent contamination, maintain hygiene and protect the integrity of food from production and distribution to final consumption. In this sense, packaging is not treated merely as a container, but as a functional safety component throughout the food chain.
The EU Regulation (EU) 2025/40 requires all food contact materials — including plastic, paper, glass and metal — to comply with strict safety standards. These materials must not transfer substances into food in amounts that could endanger health, alter the composition of the food, or affect its taste or smell. Scientific assessment plays a central role in this framework: the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) assesses the safety of substances used in packaging before authorisation.
For certain materials, especially plastics, EU legislation lays down more detailed rules, including lists of authorised substances, conditions of use such as food type and temperature limits, and migration limits, which define the maximum amount of a substance that may pass from packaging into food. These limits are intended to keep consumer exposure within safe thresholds. The broader framework is linked by the Commission to its main policy area on Food Contact Materials.
The EU has also banned or restricted several hazardous substances in food packaging, including lead, cadmium, mercury and bisphenol A (BPA), and is addressing emerging risks such as PFAS through new restrictions. In parallel, manufacturers must comply with good manufacturing practices so that packaging is produced consistently and hygienically.
A further essential element is full traceability. EU law requires food packaging materials to be traceable throughout their lifecycle, from raw material production to manufacturing, distribution and sale. This makes it possible to react quickly to safety problems, organise targeted withdrawals or recalls, and improve enforcement and risk management. Where risks arise, the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) allows EU countries to exchange alerts in real time and coordinate protective action.
Goto the Food Contact Materials Legislation
The EU Regulation (EU) 2025/40 requires all food contact materials — including plastic, paper, glass and metal — to comply with strict safety standards. These materials must not transfer substances into food in amounts that could endanger health, alter the composition of the food, or affect its taste or smell. Scientific assessment plays a central role in this framework: the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) assesses the safety of substances used in packaging before authorisation.
For certain materials, especially plastics, EU legislation lays down more detailed rules, including lists of authorised substances, conditions of use such as food type and temperature limits, and migration limits, which define the maximum amount of a substance that may pass from packaging into food. These limits are intended to keep consumer exposure within safe thresholds. The broader framework is linked by the Commission to its main policy area on Food Contact Materials.
The EU has also banned or restricted several hazardous substances in food packaging, including lead, cadmium, mercury and bisphenol A (BPA), and is addressing emerging risks such as PFAS through new restrictions. In parallel, manufacturers must comply with good manufacturing practices so that packaging is produced consistently and hygienically.
A further essential element is full traceability. EU law requires food packaging materials to be traceable throughout their lifecycle, from raw material production to manufacturing, distribution and sale. This makes it possible to react quickly to safety problems, organise targeted withdrawals or recalls, and improve enforcement and risk management. Where risks arise, the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) allows EU countries to exchange alerts in real time and coordinate protective action.
Goto the Food Contact Materials Legislation
Request More details on the subject of this page
eEuropa clients can request additional details, background information or tailored clarification on the subject covered on this page.
This is a free service reserved for eEuropa clients.
