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Brazil's Revised Regulation on Food Contact Materials

Brazil has recently issued Resolution of the Collegiate Board of Directors RDC No. 854 of 04 April 2024 (RDC No. 854/2024) to revise the technical regulation governing packaging, coatings, utensils, lids, and metal equipment in contact with food.

This regulatory update, which aligns with Mercosur/GMC/RES. No. 48/2023 on food contact metals and alloys into its national law will have significant implications for manufacturers and distributors operating in the South American market.

Key Changes and Implications:

1. Removal of Copper as a Heavy Metal: The revised regulation eliminates copper as one of the heavy metals in impurities of metallic materials. Instead, the updated specifications now include limits for the sum of antimony, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury, as well as individual limits for cadmium, lead, mercury, and arsenic. The new specifications are:

• ≤ 1% for the sum of antimony, arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury;

• ≤ 0.01% for each of cadmium, lead and mercury

• ≤ 0.03% for arsenic

2. Revision of stainless steel and their specifications: The list of stainless steels and their specifications has been revised. Notably, the updated regulation now includes stainless steels with surfaces that are completely glazed, vitrified, enameled, or protected with polymeric coatings.

3. Specifications and Restrictions for Aluminium and Its Alloys: The regulatory update introduces new specifications and restrictions for both anodized and non-anodized aluminium and its alloys.

4. Language Updates for Uncoated Carbon Steel: Uncoated carbon steel is now subject to new language and limitations outlined in the regulation.

To ensure compliance for food packaging and containers, it is recommended to have food contact materials testing conducted by a reliable third-party provider such as QIMA.

For the latest updates on product safety standards and regulations, visit Regulatory Updates. We provide regular updates to help you stay informed and ensure compliance with the latest requirements.