SG 121.22
South Korea has initiated a consultation period for its proposed revision to standards and specifications for food contact materials and articles. Comments are accepted until December 13, 2022.
In South Korea, food contact materials and articles are regulated by the Food Sanitation Act (the Act). Chapter 3 of the Act prohibits the presence or use of toxic/harmful chemicals in food contact utensils, containers and packages which could endanger human health. It also directs the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) to establish standards and specifications for these products.
On October 14, 2022, South Korea’s MFDS issued Notice No. 2022-461 to announce its intention to amend ‘Standards and Specifications for Utensils, Containers and Packages’ (the Standard’). The draft amendment contains several changes to the Standard. It:
- Details the standards and requirements for recycled plastic materials that are used for utensils, containers and packages
- Adds polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) as a new material under synthetic resins (see Table 1 below for specifications)
- Revises language to, among other things, improve methodologies and instrumentation
Highlights of the requirements for PBAT in Notice No. 2022-461 are summarized in Table 1.
| Synthetic Resin | Proposed Requirement |
|---|---|
| Polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) | ≤ 1 mg/L lead ≤ 10 mg/L potassium permanganate consumption ≤ 30 mg/L overall migration ≤ 7.5 mg/L terephthalic acid ≤ 5 mg/L isophthalic acid ≤ 5 mg/L1,4-butanediol |
Table 1
According to Notice 2022-461, comments will be accepted until December 13, 2022.
SGS technical experts have extensive knowledge and testing experience in materials and articles in contact with food. They work to ensure that your products meet the appropriate regulations for food contact materials, paving the way for compliance. From overall migration tests to expert advice on emerging regulations, compliance issues and documentation review, SGS is the partner to trust. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Discover more on our website.
For enquiries, please contact:
Dr. Hingwo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
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Seungjae Lee
Section Chief
t: +82 31 460 8028
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