WHAT DOES THE REGULATION DO?
It lays down rules on good manufacturing practice (GMP)1 for materials and articles that come into contact with food.
KEY POINTS
- The legislation applies to all sectors and all stages of manufacture, processing and distribution of materials and articles.
- Businesses must:
- conform with good manufacturing practice;
- establish, implement and apply an effective and documented quality assurance system2;
- establish and maintain an effective quality control system;
- establish and maintain appropriate records, either in paper or electronic form, on specifications, formulae and processing on the safety of the individual product and the various manufacturing operations.
- Good manufacturing practice covers objects such as containers, packaging, paper, cardboard, ink and adhesives which could come into contact with food.
- Quality assurance systems take account of:
- the staff’s knowledge and skills and the organisation of the premises and equipment;
- the size of the business to prevent them being an excessive burden.
- Quality control systems include:
- monitoring the implementation of good manufacturing practice; and
- identifying and correcting any measures that fall short of the required standards.
- An amendment (Regulation (EC) No 282/2008) sets out a specific quality assurance system for recycled plastic materials and articles that come into contact with food.
FROM WHEN DOES THE REGULATION APPLY?
It has applied since 1 August 2008.
KEY TERMS
- Good manufacturing practice: those aspects of quality assurance that ensure materials and articles conform to quality standards, do not endanger human health or cause an unacceptable change in the composition of the food.
- Quality assurance system: organised and documented arrangements that ensure materials and articles meet the quality required.
ACT
Commission Regulation (EC) No 2023/2006 of 22 December 2006 on good manufacturing practice for materials and articles intended to come into contact with food (OJ L 384, 29.12.2006, pp. 75-78)
Subsequent amendments to Regulation (EC) No 2023/2006 have been incorporated into the basic text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.
