South Korea Consults Over Food Contact Material Standard Amendments

South Korea is holding a consultation over
proposed changes to its food contact material standards. Comments will be
accepted until July 27, 2021.

Proposed changes include:

  • Polyketones added as a new material under
    synthetic resins:

    • Lead: no more than 1.0 mg/L
    • Potassium permanganate consumption: no more than 10.0 mg/L
    • Overall migration: no more than 30 mg/L
  • Nine categories created for synthetic resins
    with similar structures:

    • Olefins with six materials
    • Esters (twelve), with butylenesuccinate copolymer (PBS)
      and butylenesuccinate-adipate copolymer (PBSA) as individual entries
    • Styrenics (five)
    • Amines (three)
    • Acrylics (three)
    • Aldehydes (four)
    • Ethers (five)
    • Vinyl chlorides (two)
    • Others (three – fluorocarbons, epoxies and polyketones)
  • Specifications are provided for each
    synthetic resin, rubber and regenerated cellulose, paper, metals/alloys, wood
    and starch
  • Safety requirements are added for active and
    intelligent substances in containers/packaging
  • Standards are improved for recycled
    polyethylene terephthalates (PET)
  • Details are improved for testing coloring
    agents and sulfur dioxide

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There are also general updates to improve
clarity.

Under South Korea’s Food Sanitation Act,
toxic and harmful chemicals are prohibited in food contact items. These
standards and specifications are established by the Ministry of Food and Drug
Safety.

Once adopted, the effective dates are:

  • Date of notification
  • January 21, 2022 – recognized raw materials
    (flakes, etc.) used during the recycling process (if recycled synthetic resins
    made of physically regenerated PET materials that meet the criteria for
    recycled synthetic resins in utensils, containers and packaging)

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If accepted, these amendments will impact
manufacturers, importers and exporters of food contact utensils, containers and
packaging.

SGS Food Contact Materials Services

SGS’s technical experts have extensive experience of testing materials and
articles in contact with food. They can ensure that your products meet the
appropriate regulations for food contact materials and pave the way for
compliance. SGS offers the full range of testing, including migration tests,
along with expert advice on emerging regulations, compliance issues and
documentation review. After all, it’s only trusted because it’s tested.
Learn more about SGS’s Food Contact Materials Services.

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For
further information contact:

Dr. HingWo Tsang

Global
Information and Innovation Manager

Tel:
(+852) 2774 7420

Email:
crs.media@sgs.com

Website:
www.sgs.com/hardlines

LinkedIn:
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