The production of all goods must be subject to certain production standards set at government level. This includes food packaging, as the materials used to make it must be safe to use, not harmful to human health and strong enough to preserve food.
In the UK, paper food packaging meets strict food safety standards to ensure that it is suitable for direct and indirect food contact. These standards are designed to prevent contamination, protect public health and maintain the integrity and quality of food during storage, handling and transport. Many paper food packaging manufacturers https://univest-pack.com/ must ensure compliance with these standards during production in order to be legally present in the marketplace; this is usually confirmed by licences issued and displayed on the packaging.
In the UK, the safety of paper food packaging is governed by a number of key regulations and guidance documents:
Food contact materials regulation
In the UK, food packaging materials, including paper and board, are regulated by the Materials and Articles in Contact with Food (England) Regulations 2012, together with equivalent regulations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. These laws require that packaging materials must not transfer harmful substances to food in quantities that could endanger human health or adversely affect the taste, smell or composition of the food.
Specific paper and board guidelines
While there is currently no specific national standard for paper and board in the UK, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) follows EU-originated guidance such as the Council of Europe Resolution on Paper and Board Materials in Contact with Food. This sets limits on the use of additives, inks and coatings and requires migration testing to ensure that no harmful substances are transferred to food.
UK retained EU legislation
After Brexit, many EU regulations remain in UK law, including Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004. This regulation ensures that all materials intended to come into contact with food, such as paper packaging, must be manufactured using safe, approved substances and processes. It also requires that these materials must not adversely affect the characteristics or safety of the food.
Good Manufacturing Practice
Paper food packaging must be manufactured in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) as detailed in the UK Retained Regulation (EC) No 2023/2006. GMP ensures that products are consistently manufactured under controlled conditions, focusing on hygiene, traceability and quality management throughout the manufacturing process.
Migration and compliance testing
To verify food safety, paper packaging undergoes migration testing to ensure that any potential chemical transfer remains within acceptable limits under typical conditions of use. Testing may include analysis of contaminants, residues from inks and adhesives, and structural materials.
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