On 20 and 21 April, EuPC, the Trade Association of Plastics Converters in Europe held the Food Contact Plastics Seminar organized together with Polymer Comply Europe. The seminar updated key actors in the plastics food packaging industry on current legislation and gave training to those in charge of regulatory compliance.
The two-day seminar focused on Assessing and Managing Risks: Recent and upcoming developments, with panelists providing insight into the current and future regulatory framework. On the first day, panelists examined risk assessment and management and the application dossiers of additives, as well as looked into the EFSA opinion on risk assessment of substances used in Food Contact Materials. The assessment of Non-Intentionally Added Substances (NIAS) and integrated approaches to food safety including insight of key converters and food industry were addressed as well.
On Friday, Bastiaan Schupp of DG SANTE, European Commission raised attention to the fact that "EU Food Contact Materials legislation sets a frame for safety. Business operators of course are responsible to document compliance with restrictions set, but also need to control processing, assess residual risks and ensure proper safety by exchanging adequate information."
Peter Oldring of the Valspar Corporation and Chairman of the Cross-Sector Working Group for Food Contact Materials and Articles added: "We need a harmonized and workable approach recognized by all stakeholders including both the supply chain and Authorities to assess and manage risks, whilst ensuring a high level of public safety and confidence."
Carlos de la Cruz from Nespresso presented the view of a food & beverage company: "To ensure a high level of protection of the consumer, we need to further improve the exchange of information in the supply chain as well as its transparency".
Overall, the event proved to be an excellent opportunity for industry stakeholders to connect, exchange and gain insights on assessing and managing risks where plastics in food packaging are concerned.
Complete press release: online press room here
Programme & invitation: online press room here
