Food Contact Materials
Packaging, containers, machinery and kitchenware can transfer substances into food. As the UK National Reference Laboratory for Materials and Articles in Contact with Food, we give you the analysis, insight and regulatory expertise to ensure your products are safe and compliant.
What we offer
We carry out targeted and non-targeted analysis across a wide range of food contact materials, including recycled, biobased and novel materials. Our work combines advanced analytical chemistry with deep regulatory knowledge - so you get results you can act on, not just data.
Intentionally added substances (IAS)
Detection and quantification of intentionally added substances (IAS) including monomers, catalysts, additives and solvents; and their migration into food simulants and foodstuffs.
Targeted & non-targeted analysis
Testing utilises advanced chromatographic and mass spectrometric techniques including (HS/TD-)GC-MS, GC-HRMS, LC-MS/MS, LC-HRMS and ICP-MS.
Non-intentionally added substances (NIAS)
Detection, identification and quantification of non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) including isomers & oligomers, impurities, reaction & breakdown products and contaminants.
In silico hazard assessment
(Q)SAR modelling to predict toxicity of NIAS including mutagenicity, carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity — fast, cost-effective and animal-free. We carry out targeted and non-targeted analysis across a wide range of FCMs, including recycled, biobased and novel materials. Our work combines advanced analytical chemistry with deep regulatory knowledge — so you get results you can act on, not just data.
Regulatory & expert support
Close collaboration with the Food Standards Agency (FSA), external consultants and legal specialists to support risk assessment, regulatory interpretation and defensible decision-making for food contact materials and chemical safety investigations.
Regulatory context
UK food contact materials law is assimilated from EU legislation, with the FSA providing guidance on authorisation. Recent amendments to the EU FCM regulations have introduced significant changes and regulations continue to evolve. Keeping pace requires both analytical rigour and regulatory awareness. We provide both.
Fera is the UK National Reference Laboratory for Materials and Articles in Contact with Food.
From targeted migrant analysis to full regulatory & expert support, we work with food manufacturers, packaging producers and retailers to navigate a complex and fast-moving compliance landscape.
