Ensuring that what we eat is safe does not stop at testing the food itself. Everything that comes in contact with food as it is produced, packaged, transported, stored, prepared and consumed also needs to be safe.Materials such as plastics, paper and board, metals, ceramics are commonly used for the manufacturing of food packaging, but also kitchenware and cutlery and food processing equipments.The safety of such materials relies on insuring that during contact there is no migration of unsafe levels of chemical substances from the material to the food.The European Union Reference Laboratory for Food Contact Materials (EURL-FCM) provides scientific and technical assistance to the EU and the Member States.It organises inter-laboratory comparison exercises and conducts training courses for the benefit of National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) and of experts from developing countries. It is supported by a Network of National Reference Laboratories.Related linksThe 'I' in science: Olga studies how we can check that materials that come in contact with our food are safeFood contact materials legislationRapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF)European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)ContactEmail: JRC-EURL-FCMec [dot] europa [dot] eu (JRC-EURL-FCM[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)
EURL FCM - publicationsPublications on food contact materials, drinking water and construction products in water distribution system, toys
EURL-FCM - Inter-laboratory comparison reportsInter-laboratory comparison exercise reports for food contact materials
EURL-FCM - Legislationlegislation for food contact materials and European Union Reference Laboratories
