Argentina establishes additional requirements on food contact materials
Are you a food business operator dealing with food contact materials in Argentina? If so, it is important to know that the Argentine Food Code was amended in September. Several Resolutions were published covering packaging and utensils in contact with foods and beverages, as well as specific requirements for manufacturing establishments.
During the 131st ordinary meeting of the National Food Commission (CONAL), the significance of different standards for materials and utensils that come in contact with food was officially recognised. Consequently, in September 2023, several Resolutions were published by the Secretariat for Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, and the Secretariat for Health Quality, updating the Argentine Food Code.
New requirements for FCM’s and utensils
- Joint Resolution 22/2023 - establishes that a sanitary authorisation for FCMs and utensils is now a mandatory requirement. This Resolution came into force on 28 August 2023
- Joint Resolution 20/2023 - mandates that establishments handling FCMs and utensils must obtain a sanitary authorisation. This Resolution came into force on 7 September 2023.
- Joint Resolution 23/2023 - specifies that facilities manufacturing food containers and utensils intended for food contact must appoint a technical director. However, an exception is granted for those exclusively authorised for glass, natural cork, wood, ceramics and textile products. This Resolution came into force on 7 September 2023
- Joint Resolution 24/2023 - outlines the hygienic-sanitary conditions and good manufacturing practices that establishments must adhere to when producing, dividing, or storing food packaging and utensils. This Resolution came into force on 7 September 2023
- Joint Resolution 25/2023 - introduces updated labelling criteria that food contact materials and utensils must adhere to. These new requirements encompass indicating the type of plastic materials used on the label with a corresponding logo; inclusion of statements like “Single use. Discard this container”, where relevant; providing usage instructions where applicable; and indicating suitability for contact with food through the use of the label “suitable for contact with food” and/or the pictogram outlined in the Resolution
All of these Resolutions have a 365-day transition period in order for businesses to comply with the new requirements.
It's crucial for food business operators and those making materials that come into contact with food to check if the changes to the Code impact their products. It's also important to stay informed about any updates to the Resolutions in case more changes happen. Leatherhead Members can find these updates in Global Legal Highlights, which is included as part of the membership package.
Support with labelling compliance
To learn more about how to comply with the new requirements for food contact materials and food products in Argentina and/or other requirements in Latin America, please get in touch at [email protected]. Leatherhead’s experienced team of scientists and regulatory experts, including former regulators and industry advocates, can support you every step of the way.
Follow the link for more information on Leatherhead Food Research's food label compliance services.
