Food safety is of paramount importance when it comes to the handling and preparation of food. Within this context, the role of Food Contact Materials (FCMs) cannot be overstated, as they encompass a diverse array of items and substances that interact with food at various stages of its journey from production and processing to serving. The potential implications of FCMs extend to both the chemical safety and sensory attributes of the final food product.
FCMs encompass a wide range of materials and items that come into contact with food throughout its entire lifecycle, including production, processing, storage, preparation, and serving, before it eventually reaches the consumer's plate. This category includes a broad spectrum of items, such as food packaging, containers, food processing machinery, as well as kitchenware and tableware. What makes FCMs particularly significant is the fact that the constituents of these materials have the potential to migrate into the food they come into contact with. This migration can have consequences for the chemical safety of the food. Furthermore, FCMs can also influence the overall quality, taste, aroma, and appearance of the food, making them a critical aspect of the entire food production and consumption process.
In order to maintain a high standard of food safety, it is imperative that all food contact materials comply with Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004. This regulation governs the materials and articles intended for contact with food when they are made available in the European market. It sets forth stringent requirements and guidelines for the manufacturing and use of FCMs to ensure the safety of the food they come into contact with. Additionally, these materials must be manufactured in strict adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) as outlined in Commission Regulation (EC) No 2023/2006. These regulations set the industry standards for ensuring the safety of food contact materials.
Moreover, there are specific EU regulations that apply to certain materials, such as plastics and ceramics, which have their own unique requirements and guidelines to further ensure food safety. In addition to these European regulations, individual countries may also have their own national legislation that covers other materials used in food contact. All of these regulations collectively form a comprehensive framework to guarantee the safety and quality of food throughout its journey, from production to consumption.
The EU Culinary Delights campaign, funded by the EU, is dedicated to showcasing the distinct PDO/PGI products from Greece and Romania to consumers in the USA and UK. Its primary objective is to increase awareness of the exceptional nutritional benefits and genuine flavors offered by products such as PDO Throumpa Thassou Olive, PGI Thassos Olive Oil, PGI Thassos Wine, PGI Kavala Wine, PGI Terasele Dunării Wine, and PDO Oltina Wine. Furthermore, the campaign aims to emphasize the European heritage of these products, emphasizing their commitment to food safety, quality, sustainability, traceability, and authenticity.