Regenerated cellulose film in contact with foodstuffs

Materials and articles made of regenerated cellulose film which are intended to come into contact with food are limited to certain maximum quantities to ensure consumer safety. Furthermore, parts of such film bearing print must not come into contact with food.

ACT

Commission Directive 93/10/EEC of 15 March 1993 relating to materials and articles made of regenerated cellulose film intended to come into contact with foodstuffs

[See amending acts].

SUMMARY

Regenerated cellulose film is a film obtained from refined cellulose derived from wood or cotton that have not been recycled. Appropriate substances can be added to the body or surface of the material for technological reasons.

Such materials and articles are capable of transferring regenerated cellulose film to foodstuffs in quantities likely to pose a threat to human health.

Scope (introduced by Directive 2004/14/EC)

The Directive applies to the following types of regenerated cellulose film:

• uncoated,
• with coating derived from cellulose
• with coating consisting of plastics.

Substances used and conditions of use

Directive 93/10/EEC sets out in Annex II a list of substances that can be used in the manufacture of regenerated cellulose films and also the conditions governing their use.

Uncoated or plastic-coated regenerated cellulose films may be manufactured using materials other than those specified in Annex II only where they are employed as colourings or adhesives. In such cases the Directive only allows the use of substances where there is no trace of migration into or onto foodstuffs, detectable by a validated method.

The printed side of the regenerated cellulose films must not be allowed to come into contact with foodstuffs.

Marketing and labelling

For marketing purposes (with the exception of retail sales), materials and articles of regenerated cellulose film that are intended to come into contact with foodstuffs must be accompanied by a written declaration certifying that they comply with Directive 89/109/EEC. This provision does not apply to materials and articles which, by their very nature, are clearly intended to come into contact with foodstuffs.

Where special conditions of use are indicated, the materials and articles of regenerated cellulose film should be labelled accordingly.

Background

Directive 93/10/EEC is a reworked version of Directive 83/229/EEC, and its latest modifications which it repeals. It is also a specific Directive coming under Framework Directive 89/109/EEC, which has been repealed and replaced by Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 (see Related Acts).

RELATED ACTS

Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 October 2004 on materials and articles intended to come into contact with food and repealing Directives 80/590/EEC and 89/109/EEC [Official Journal L 338 of 13.11.2004]. For an overall view of information on materials in contact with foodstuffs, please consult the website of the Directorate-General for Health and Consumer Protection.

Last updated: 24.10.2005