The European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM) has introduced the second edition of its guide, “Metals and Alloys Used in Food Contact Materials and Articles”. This guide is aimed at regulators and industry operators, and it seeks to align technical standards and enhance the safety of food contact materials in Europe.

The updated edition includes new scientific data and recommendations based on recent research and consultations with national risk assessment bodies. Notable changes include revised safety limits for chromium and manganese, and a completely new section dedicated to zirconium. The guide also features enhanced testing methods to help laboratories evaluate metal release more accurately. The revision was led by the European Committee for Food Contact Materials and Articles (CD-P-MCA) following the principles set out in Council of Europe Resolution CM/Res(2020)9, which establishes safety and quality guidelines for food contact materials.

IBE-BVI members can obtain a copy of this revised guide on simple request: click here.