27 Apr 2021
(Material compliance regulations are a critical part of the global food and beverage industry. These regulations are essential to ensure the health and safety of consumers.)
Globalization has opened up boundaries for players in the food and beverage industry. To preserve brand identity and maintain end-to-end material compliance regulations, the processors of food and beverages have to adhere to different global standards. Resultantly, it has become important for manufacturers to update themselves about the major regulatory bodies located worldwide. They have to be in complete sync with the safety standards laid down by these bodies that varies across nations.
Need for Global Standards and Material Compliance Regulations
Manufacturers, processors and other stakeholders of the F&B industry have to increase their ability to understand the governing regulatory standards. They must keep abreast of all regulatory changes to ensure consumer consumption safety and achieve compliance. Depending on the nature of processing, F&B manufacturers should be aware of these (and all other relevant) material compliance regulations to meet consumer safety concerns.
CA Prop 65
The Proposition 65 program is administered by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA). OEHHA is a part of the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA).
Given this, manufacturers should have detailed knowledge about the Proposition 65 list, how the regulators can govern warnings, as well as all other aspects of CA Prop 65.
FDA
A long list of chemicals and materials are pre-approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for contact with foodstuffs.
As a primary governing body, FDA handles food additive standards. Most materials on this list are used in hygienic gaskets, compression packings and seals.
TSCA
The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA or TOSCA), passed in 1976, is administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States. It is responsible for the regulation of new or existing chemicals used in the industry.
FFDCA
The United States Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938 (APA) was passed in 1938. It established the quality standards for drugs, food, cosmetic and medical devices manufactured and marketed in the United States.
FCM – Food Contact Materials
The EU regulations on food contact materials may apply to all FCMs or certain materials only. These EU laws are likely to be enforced along with the national legislation of Member States – in case specific EU regulations do not exist.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is responsible for FCM safety. For instance, the EU level Union legislation related to food contact materials ensures proper functioning of internal markets and protects consumers’ health.
EU Food Regulations
The European Union (EU) administers the Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). It aims to protect the environment and human health from the risks linked to different hazardous chemicals.
Conclusion
As a part of the food and beverage industry, you have to ensure the safety and high quality of all products. This is possible through the proper management of material compliance regulations and the prescribed comprehensive tests. Get in touch with trusted experts to maintain compliance with international standards, while keeping your data secure.
Talk to a Global Compliance Specialist today!