1. Regulatory constraints and principles

1.1 Regulatory constraints

Regulations governing materials and articles in contact with foodstuffs are intended to protect consumer health and guarantee the quality of the products consumed. They may also take account of environmental protection requirements.

Regulated by state or community bodies, it is mandatory in nature, and engages 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 that materials and articles must not transfer to foodstuffs (under normal or foreseeable conditions of use) constituents in a quantity likely to present a danger to human health or to bring...