2. Regulatory constraints

Regulations concerning materials and articles in contact with foodstuffs have the following main objectives:

• consumer health protection;

• guaranteeing the quality of the products consumed;

• plus any environmental protection requirements.

Regulated by State or Community bodies, it is mandatory in nature, engaging the legal responsibility of the manufacturer of finished products (packaging, cooking utensils, machinery and equipment for the food industry), as well as the distributor and importer.

Based on the essential principle mentioned in §