Background:
Currently the limits for the release of metals from ceramic materials and articles into food are set out by Council Directive 84/500/EEC. Under this Directive, only Lead and Cadmium are regulated. EFSA published in 2009 and 2010 opinions on these two metals. From these opinions it follows that the limits under the Directive are too high to adequately protect the health of the consumers.

The current limits in force are 0.3 mg/l food for cadmium and 4 mg/l food for lead. These values should be interpreted as the maximum amount of cadmium or lead migrating into 1 litre of food simulant using a standard migration test.

Proposed values:
The EU Commission are proposing to reduce the limits for lead and cadmium release from ceramic food contact items.

This may take effect from as early as the middle of next year. In addition EU commission are considering additional metals and applying the requirements to glass at some future date.

Objectives:
This consultation has the following objectives:

• to facilitate understanding of the impacts of the proposed limits on business operators
• to identify possible measures to mitigate such impacts; including possible measures specifically aimed at SME’s
• to gather quantitative data on articles on the market that may be affected by the new limits considered
• to gather quantitative data on articles on the market that may be effected by restrictions on other metals to be considered

The Solution:
Intertek has the capability to evaluate the new limits for lead and cadmium release from ceramic food contact items to meet the safety requirement. By leveraging our local services and global network, we enable our customers to dedicate their primary energies to their core business activities.