What is Food Contact Materials (FCM)?

FCMs are defined as materials or products intended to come into contact with food, are already in contact with food, or may reasonably be expected to come into contact with food. They can be found in the machinery that processes our food, the packaging that carries our food, and the equipment we use to store, cook, and eat our food.

Why is it important to ensure ovenware safety?

When you go shopping for new pots and pans or other cookware, you have a wide range of choices before you. Not only does each type have unique characteristics in terms of cooking and cleaning, but the cookware materials also have different risks in terms of potential toxic exposure. Some cookware (e.g., pots, pans, skillets, baking sheets) leaches chemicals and heavy metals into the foods you cook, which you then consume, adding to your body burden and mitigating some of the cleaner choices you may have made in food selection.

How is ovenware safety regulated in the US market?

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) is the key piece of legislation covering food contact materials (FCM) in the US. It is administered by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  Regulations pertaining to FCM can principally be found in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The majority of regulated indirect food additives and polymers can be found in 21 CFR 174 to 179.

What SGS can help?

SGS services can ensure compliance with requirements for sale and distribution in global markets.

Sample Size:

It will be advised in the order confirmation email.

Turnaround Time (Working Days):

9 - 10 Days

Green Marks Certification and Verification Scheme:

A variety of voluntary ecolabeling schemes have emerged to help businesses meet consumer demand for sustainable products. However, environmental claims must be scientifically backed and trustworthy.

Our independent assessment scheme, based on recognized standards like ISO 17065 and ISO 14021, ensures your product meets all criteria, allowing for differentiation in competitive markets. Each protocol clearly defines the product scope and certification criteria, clarifying the environmental claim for consumers. By focusing on one attribute per mark, you can effectively communicate your product’s positive environmental aspects.

Attribute	Significance	Sample
Hazardous Substances Assessed	Highlights the better chemistry of a product while aligning with the trend of eliminating problematic / toxic / bio-accumulative chemicals from products.
Recycled Content	State and country requirements for a minimum percentage recycled content in packaging and products are growing. Retailers and brands are seeking to increase the recycled content of products to meet carbon neutral commitments.
PFAS-Assessed	Highlights the better chemistry of a product while aligning with the trend of eliminating PFAS "forever chemicals" from both products and packaging across many industries.

SGS Performance Product Certification Mark:

Designed by our experts, this mark is product-specific and employs a combination of document examination and reviews, performance testing, and claims verification. It helps us to:

• Validate selling points
• Verify and support disclaimers
• Help customers to choose the right model for their needs

Products verified/certified under this scheme will qualify to display the SGS Performance Mark. It can be used on the product and in promotional materials and advertising to show end-users that performance has been verified and certified by experts.