COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 372/2007 laying down transitional migration limits for plasticizers in gaskets in lids intended to come into contact with foods

Transitional period expected to be prolonged until April 30th 2009

Based on a forthcoming regulation1 amending Commission Regulation (EC) No 372/2007, the end of the transitional period regarding certain migration limits for plasticizers in gaskets in lids laid down in Commission Regulation (EC) No 372/2007 is expected to be postponed from July 1st 2008 to April 30th 2009.

By December 2007 the Commission was informed by the food and metal packaging industry (CIAA2 and EMPAC3) that by July 2008 testing of various packaging solutions for compliance with Directive 2002/72/EC that are done on the market regarding critical foods such as food in oil, pesto’s and fatty sauces, will not be completed. In recognition of the industry efforts and the time required to test suitable solutions, a further transitional period should be provided during which lids compliant with Regulation (EC) No 372/2007 may be used to package food.

As manufacturer of metal closures and sealing gaskets made of plastic Silgan White Cap faced up to this subject from the very beginning and further developed its materials particularly regarding the requirement of migration reduction. In case customers might be affected by the above issue, Silgan White Cap would like to invite them to participate in this development. Silgan White Cap is fully aware of the relevance this topic might have for the market success of its customer’s product and Silgan White Cap is pleased to be able to offer a high-value closure option in reference to migration reduction.

Silgan White Cap will also gladly answer questions concerning the forthcoming legal changes and the resulting consequences regarding the fillers obligation to assess finished product compliance and provide the required obligatory documentation

Silgan White Cap

With 16 plants Silgan White is an international producer of metal, plastic and composite closures for oxygen sensitive, vacuum and aseptically packaged food products and still beverages. Its closures are used exclusively in glass or plastic container applications.

Further information can be obtained from:

Petra Bauschke, Marketing Manager
Silgan White Cap Europe/Asia
Hansastraße 4
30419 HANNOVER
Germany

Tel: +49(0)511 7905 4520
Fax: +49(0)511 7905 4512
Email: marketing@silganwhitecap.com