France Clarifies Regulations on Food Packaging and Contact Materials

France’s consumer authority, the DGCCRF, has issued new guidelines clarifying the compliance requirements for food packaging and food contact materials (FCMs) to ensure adherence to EU safety standards. The updated framework aims to prevent harmful chemicals from migrating into food, thereby safeguarding consumer health.

The regulations apply to all materials intended for direct or indirect contact with food, including packaging, kitchen utensils, tableware, and infant feeding products. Under EU legislation, these materials must be inert under normal usage conditions, ensuring they do not pose health risks or alter food’s composition, taste, or smell.

Included in the scope of FCMs are various packaging types such as bottles, trays, films, and containers, as well as utensils like spatulas and ladles. Secondary packaging that may reasonably contact food is also covered, while items like refrigerator shelves are excluded unless direct contact is expected.

To indicate compliance, food packaging should feature the glass-and-fork symbol or labels stating “suitable for food contact.” Additional markings may denote microwave safety or temperature limits, clarifying the conditions under which compliance is guaranteed.

The DGCCRF emphasizes the importance of inertness in food packaging, warning against practices that could increase migration risks, such as using single-use packaging for cooking or improper heating methods. For instance, heating food in multi-layer cartons containing aluminum or using PVC tubes for shaping food can lead to harmful chemical migration.

Manufacturers are required to provide a declaration of compliance, detailing the types of food the packaging can safely contact, along with time and temperature limits. This documentation must be maintained by distributors and retailers, ensuring that all claims on packaging are accurate and not misleading.

The guidance also addresses environmental claims, clarifying that products labeled as “bio-based” may still be conventional plastics and that biodegradable properties depend on specific conditions. Non-compliance with these regulations could result in enforcement actions or product withdrawals from the French market, reinforcing the need for strict adherence to safety and documentation standards in the food packaging industry.