Toidukontaktmaterjalid

Toidukontaktmaterjalid are materials that come into direct contact with food, including packaging, utensils, cooking surfaces and food processing equipment. They must meet strict regulatory requirements to prevent migration of harmful substances that could contaminate food and compromise consumer safety. In Estonia and the European Union, these materials are governed by the EU General Food Law Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 and the Food Contact Materials Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004. Manufacturers must compile a declaration of composition and provide safety data, showing that any migrant material remains below the limits set for specific foodstuffs.

The main classes of toidukontaktmaterjalid are plastics, glass, ceramics, metals, paper, textiles and composites. Each material class is subdivided according to its intended use and the type of food it contacts. Plastic containers, for instance, are further divided into categories such as PET for beverages, PP for food trays and PVC for cling films, each with specific migration thresholds. Metals used in cookware are typically stainless steel or aluminium, with coatings or anodisation to reduce leaching. Food-grade polymers are selected for their resistance to thermal, acidic, and alkaline conditions.

Safety testing includes laboratory migration assays using simulants that mimic real food conditions (acidic, fatty, aqueous). The results are compared to the EU Reference Migration Limit (RML) for each compound. If a material exceeds the RML, it cannot be placed on the market. Consumers can identify safe products by checking the recycling code, manufacturer’s compliance certificates, and the presence of a “food contact” label. Continuous monitoring by food safety authorities and consumer reporting helps maintain high safety standards for toidukontaktmaterjalid.