Food Contact Materials FCMs Compliance (Materials and Objects intended to be in contact with Food)

CSI, active since the 1960s in plastics research and application, has over time become a national reference in the field of FCMs (Materials and Objects in Contact with Food). The know-how built up over time is made available to players in the supply chain for compliance with international standards or provisions in accordance with Regulations 1935/2004 and 2023/2006.

CSI is now a qualified reference in certifying the conformity of any kind of packaging, managing any type of:

  • Materials regulated on national territory by the Italian Ministerial Decree of 21/03/73 and subsequent updates such as paper, steel, aluminum, rubber, silicones, glass, chromed band, tinplate; materials regularly regulated by other countries around the world (LFGB, BfR, FDA, Code of China, Japan Food Law ...).
  • Materials regulated at EU level such as plastic in accordance with Regulation (EU) 10/2011, regenerated cellulose in accordance with Directive 2007/42/EC and ceramic in accordance with Directive 2005/31/EC.
  • Materials not specifically regulated such as metallic coatings, textiles, wood or innovative materials.

All tests are performed in accordance with the main technical standards such as UNI, ISO, DIN, GB, ASTM, BS or with appropriately validated in-house methods.

The process for verifying compliance in the Food Contact area includes:

  • evaluation of supporting documentation and compositional compliance with the positive lists of national and international legislation;
  • drafting of analytical plans: overall migrations, specific migrations in the various simulants, determination of additives, metal transfer, migration of dyes, NIAS (substances not intentionally added), residual solvents and verification of the set-off effect;
  • sensory evaluation according to Robinson's test or according to classical smell and taste tests in compliance with UNI 10192, DIN 10955 or other relevant technical standards;
  • support for the preparation of the Declaration of Conformity for contact with food.

To meet the legislative requirements regarding the presence of Non Intentionally Added Substances (NIAS) in packaging intended for contact with food, the CSI laboratory has developed a series of analytical methods capable of detecting numerous chemical species that may be present due to molecular degeneration, cross-contamination or other unidentified causes. The risk assessment allows to qualify and, if necessary, to quantify these substances, always considering the application area of the material or object, also from a Good Manufacturing Practices management perspective, relying on internationally recognized risk assessment principles. The process of evaluating Non Intentionally Added Substances aims to return a "turn-key" result, through a "post run" evaluation using validated software and toxicological databases.

 Tool to enhance the agri-food and forestry sectors, increasing market confidence... Tool to certify the capability of an organization to gain and maintain steadily, service standard declared to the public... Formal act of a third-party body that certify the conformity of the product technical reference documents, marketing deed to enhance and diversify the product... For years the training offered by IMQ group represented a point of reference for professional development and the update of freelance and employees. Second and third-party, inspections and testing: expert auditors capable to understand the situation of the company... CSI boasts skills matured in over 50 years of activity. IMQ Group is a brand recognized by the market as a synonym of safety and quality, and an internationally recognized partner, appreciated member of the main international regulatory working groups. CSI combines the certification of products-processes-services with the activities of specialised laboratories operating on a wide range of goods. CSI is an internationally recognised brand and partner, a valued member of the main international regulatory working groups. All CSI staff are obliged to strictly observe professional secrecy. CSI technicians use English as their primary language, and French and German in technical and commercial communications outside Italy. CSI builds its testing and certification services on customer needs. Since the 60' CSI has been working to anticipate the future, to make the present safer.