All products that enter in contact with food may release harmful substances during their usage; thus assessing the risk of compliance issues and complying with the applicable regulations is a must for any brands, importers or retailers. Heat, cold, lubricants and water can affect the consistency of the product and can create conditions conducive to chemicals migration into the food product and contaminate the food they come into contact with, creating risks for consumer health.

How can consumers be sure that the food container where they are storing their food is safe? Or that the mug where they are drinking their coffee is not releasing harmful chemicals? The kitchen utensils and cookware industry is highly regulated, with strict safety standards to ensure the health and safety of consumers. API laboratories can test according to the relevant directives to maintain chemical and physical safety as well as testing with specific protocols to ensure performance and fit-for-use.

The rules to follow depend on the material and country. For example, items sold in the EU and the US must comply with regulations such as the EC No. 1935/2004 in the EU or the FDA 21 CFR in the US, which cover the most common materials such as plastics, silicone and rubbers, metals and alloys, ceramics, wood, paper and board, varnishing and end coating, and more.