SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 050.24 to keep stakeholders informed about proposed changes to South Korea’s standards and specifications for food contact materials and articles.

South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) announced its intention to review ‘Standards and Specifications for Utensils, Containers and Packages’ (MFDS Notification No. 2022-97). Under South Korean law, food contact materials and articles are regulated under the Food Sanitation Act, in which Chapter 3 prohibits the presence or use of toxic/harmful chemicals in food contact utensils, containers and packages that could endanger human health. The MFDS is required to establish standards and specifications for these products.

The proposed revisions would:
• Improve printing standards for food contact surfaces on food utensils
• Clarify that the requirement of less than 0.1% lead used in the manufacture or repairing food contact parts of utensils, containers and packaging includes solder (Section II, clause 1.7 ‘Common manufacturing standards’)
• Improve the analytical method for arsenic
• Clarify that if the material and color of the main body and accessories are identical, testing is to be conducted on the main body
• Introduces several editorial changes for clarity

According to Notice No. 2024-97, the provisions will enter into force on the date of its announcement.

SGS Food Contact Material Services
SGS’s technical experts have extensive experience of testing materials and articles in contact with food. They can ensure that your products meet the appropriate regulations for food contact materials and pave the way for compliance. SGS offers the full range of testing, including migration tests, along with expert advice on emerging regulations, compliance issues and documentation review. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s Food Contact Material Services. [http://www.sgs.com/fcm]

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full South Korea Consults Over Proposed Amendment to Food Contact Material Standards SafeGuardS. [www.sgs.com/en/news/2024/03/safeguards-5024-south-korea-consults-over-proposed-amendment-to-food-contact-material-standards]

Subscribe here, www.sgs.com/subscribesg, to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

For further information contact:

Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: (+852) 2774 7420

SeungJae Lee
Section Chief
Tel: +82 31 460 8028

Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products

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