EuPIA publishes updated GMP

The European Printing Ink Association (EuPIA) has published the fifth version of its Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guideline for inks, varnishes and coatings designed for food contact materials.

Two expert groups focused on chemical and operational management have completely reworked and updated the guideline, which has set standards for controlling food safety hazards in the design and manufacture of food contact material inks since 2009.

The updated GMP assists manufacturers in complying with European legislation for materials intended to come into contact with food, including Framework Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 and GMP Regulation (EC) No 2023/2006.

'It has been quite a journey as many aspects needed to be verified, but thanks to our members' experts and their strong support, we are proud to have an up-to-date GMP that not only aligns it to the governing ISO standard but sets a milestone for an entire industry,' commented Christof Walter, EuPIA food contact manager.

Major changes include modification of the EuPIA GMP structure to align with ISO9001:2015, expanded geographical scope to recognize global implementation by member companies, and definition of a competent person, including training requirements.

The guideline now includes references to relevant EuPIA documents such as migration guidelines, photoinitiator suitability list and risk assessment for non-intentionally added substances. It also provides clarification on the raw material composition and non-intentionally added substances that raw materials may reasonably be expected to contain.