8. Penalties

Articles L214-1 to L214-3 of the French Consumer Code stipulate a 3rd class fine for failure to comply with the rules of a French decree or European regulation in a number of areas, including suitability for food contact and traceability.

On the basis of these texts, the natural person responsible for compliance with food contact law in the company (by delegation or by virtue of his or her professional duties) is personally liable to a fine ranging from 1 to 450 euros per offence (French Penal Code, art. 131-13). The judge has full discretion to determine the penalty within this range.

Legal entities risk a fine...