Introduction to GB 4806.7-2023: New Standard for Food Contact Plastic Materials and Products

In September 2023, the National Health Commission and the State Administration for Market Regulation jointly released Announcement No. 6 of 2023, unveiling 85 new national food safety standards and three amendments. Among these, 17 standards pertain to food contact materials, encompassing five product standards (plastics, metals, rubber, composite materials, inks) and 12 method standards (general principles for migration, general principles for method verification, specific migration amount inspection methods, etc.).

Food Contact Plastic Materials

This article focuses on the GB 4806.7-2023 standard, which addresses food contact plastic materials and products. Notably, this standard consolidates the "National Food Safety Standard Plastic Resins for Food Contact" (GB 4806.6-2016) and the "National Food Safety Standard Plastic Materials for Food Contact and Products" (GB4806.7-2016). The implementation date for this standard is September 6, 2024.

Key Updates in GB 4806.7-2023:

1. Starch-Based Plastics:

This revision introduces safety requirements for starch-based plastic materials and products used in food contact. The standard outlines the type and quality specifications of starch utilized in these materials. Notably, for plastic materials and products with a high starch content, the detection values of total migration and potassium permanganate consumption are significantly influenced by starch content. Special requirements are, therefore, stipulated for starch-based plastic materials and products with a starch content of ≥40%.

2. Plant Fiber Management Principles:

With a growing emphasis on environmental protection, many companies are developing food contact products that include plant fiber fillers. The revision elucidates the management principles for plant fiber fillers. These fillers are considered additives for food contact materials and products and should adhere to the requirements of the "National Food Safety Standard Additives for Food Contact Materials and Products" (GB 9685). Plant fibers not listed in GB 9685 and related announcements should be declared as new substances and can only be used following evaluation.

3. Limits for Aromatic Primary Amines:

To control the risk of aromatic primary amines migrating from plastic materials and products into food, this revision increases the limits for these substances. Aromatic primary amines can stem from polymer monomers or other starting materials used in food contact materials, secondary reaction products of aromatic isocyanates and azo colorants, and more. The revised standard sets new limit requirements for the "total aromatic primary amine migration" for aromatic primary amines from various sources.

4. Basic Resin Control:

This revision enhances the list, limits, and usage requirements of plastic resins based on the National Health Commission's announcement and risk assessment outcomes. Appendix A of the new standard includes additions and modifications, such as CAS numbers of resins, name changes, SML/QM and SML (T) alterations, and the removal of previous requirements related to resin properties.

In light of these updated standards, it is advisable for relevant organizations and enterprises to promptly familiarize themselves with these changes. They should organize and implement compliance management in accordance with the new requirements to ensure that production, products, and related technical activities align with the revised food safety standards.

Specifically, manufacturers using starch-based plastics and plant fiber-containing products should ensure compliance with GB 9685 and related announcements. Additionally, for plastics containing substances that may produce aromatic primary amines, companies should minimize their use during research and development, conducting compliance verification at the earliest stage possible.

This comprehensive approach ensures that food contact materials and products adhere to the latest food safety standards and guidelines.