Food packaging

Food packaging is classed as a food contact material. This includes not only packaging itself, but also other materials and articles that are intended to come into contact with food during production or use. Examples include:

• cookware/ceramic ware
• cutlery /crockery
• work surfaces
• food processing equipment and machinery

How food contact materials are regulated

In line with the Windsor Framework, food contact materials (FCMs) in Northern Ireland are regulated under Regulation (EC) 1935/2004, which is enforced by the Materials and Articles in Contact with Food Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012.

The regulation requires that materials:

• do not transfer their constituents into food at levels that could endanger human health
• do not bring about an unacceptable change in the composition of the food
• do not adversely affect the taste, smell or quality of the food

The regulation applies across the entire food chain and covers all materials intended to come into contact with food.

Some categories of FCMs are subject to additional, more detailed controls, including:

• 'active' materials, which release substances into food to extend shelf-life or condition
• 'intelligent' materials, which monitor or react to food conditions
• plastics and plastics recycling processes for food contact use
• ceramics
• regenerated cellulose film

There are also specific rules for certain substances and materials, including BADGE, BFDGE and NOGE, vinyl chloride monomer, adhesives and coatings.

FCMs authorisation

Businesses seeking authorisation to place new food contact materials on the Northern Ireland market must continue to follow EU food contact material rules.

Under the Windsor Framework, the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme (NIRMS) allows pre-packed retail goods from Great Britain (including FCM-packaged food) to enter Northern Ireland using UK public health standards instead of EU standards, but only for NI final sale (requires ‘Not for EU’ label).

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is the lead authority for food contact materials policy in NI, advising food businesses on safe packaging use, and safeguarding the public from chemical migration risks. Local councils are the enforcement bodies for FCMs in Northern Ireland and also have a role in advising businesses.