Italian Food Contact Material Testing

1. Introduction to Italian Food Contact Material Regulations

The Italian regulation applicable to materials in contact with food is the "Italian Decree No. 777 of 1982," which covers Ministerial Decree DM 21373 and its subsequent updates, serving as the legal requirements for food contact materials.

The food-grade requirements for plastic materials in Italy align with those of the EU Directive 2002/72/EC. Additionally, the decree includes specific national requirements, such as those for rubber, silicone, glass, and stainless steel, which fall outside the scope of EU regulations but are specified under Italian law.

Italy has established an approved list of stainless steel materials: only those included in the list may be used for food contact purposes. These materials must meet purity standards and pass food contact testing in accordance with the requirements outlined in DM 21373.

2. Common Materials

Plastic, rubber, glass, ceramics, stainless steel, carbon steel, cast iron, tin, etc.

3. Common Products

Tableware: bowls, cups, knives and forks, spoons, pots, plates, dishes, chopsticks, trays, napkins, straws, etc.;

Kitchenware: knives, pots, spatulas, basins, peelers, grills/forks, etc.;

Kitchen appliances: juicers, soy milk makers, coffee machines, kettles, ovens, microwaves, rice cookers, sterilizers, dishwashers, blenders, toasters, range hoods, gas stoves, induction cookers, etc.;

Food packaging materials: cling film, storage bags, storage boxes, storage jars, condiment bottles, sealed containers, tablecloths, paper, etc.;

Children's products: baby bottles, pacifiers, teethers, insulated cups, bottle warmers, baby food preparation tools, etc.;

Other products that come into direct or potential contact with food are also subject to DM 21371 testing requirements.

4. Testing Content

General requirements for plastics (PP, PE, POM, PS, AS, EVA, PET, PPS, PU materials only require general testing), polyoxymethylene (POM), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), polyamide (nylon PA), melamine plastic, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), coatings, rubber/silicone, stainless steel/metal, glass, ceramic products, wood products