livsmedelskontakt

Livsmedelskontakt refers to all materials and objects that may come into contact with food during any stage of the food chain, including production, processing, packaging, storage, transport, and serving. Examples include packaging materials, utensils, processing equipment, coatings on containers, and farm or catering tools that touch food.

In the European Union, materials intended to contact food must be safe and not adversely affect the food. The general framework is Regulation (EC) 1935/2004, which requires good manufacturing practice and that substances migrating into food are safe at the levels occurring. There are also material-specific rules for plastics, metals, ceramics, coatings, and recycled materials. Manufacturers typically provide a declaration of conformity and ensure traceability.

In Sweden, the Swedish Food Agency (Livsmedelsverket) enforces EU rules and issues guidance for businesses on selecting suitable food-contact materials, conducting risk assessments, and carrying out migration testing. Businesses are often required to perform migration testing using food simulants and to maintain documentation, including lists of approved substances and processing conditions.

Migration testing estimates potential transfer of substances from the contact material to food and supports safety decisions. Compliance relies on approved-substance lists, adherence to good manufacturing practice, proper labeling, and thorough documentation to demonstrate safety.

Ensuring proper livsmedelskontakt is essential for consumer safety, preserving food quality and taste, and maintaining trust in food products and packaging.