Key course information
- Course learning format: RECORDED ONLINE COURSE
- More course dates: See below or click 'Register'
- Pricing and early bird rates: click 'Register' to preview
- Course duration: 4.8 hours of recorded modules available
- Course access: 28 days to access course materials, learn when it suits you
- Learning support: Optional live Q&A after course completion
- Electronic course notes
- Gain CPD Credits: Smithers training is IOM3 Quality Assured and counts towards professional development.
To book, click Register and choose a session
Introduction to Food Contact Materials - Products, Regulations and Testing ONLINE
Date
Length
29 days
Looking for an alternative format?
Upcoming online course dates
| Select a session when registering | |
|---|---|
| 10 Nov - 8 Dec 25 |
11 May - 8 Jun 26 |
| 8 Dec – 5 Jan 26 |
31 Aug - 28 Sep 26 |
| 12 Jan – 9 Feb 26 | 9 Nov – 7 Dec 26 |
Course overview
This course gives you a clear understanding of how polymeric materials - such as plastics, rubbers, coatings and inks - are used in food contact applications, from packaging and processing equipment to kitchenware.
You’ll learn which substances must be assessed for potential migration into food, why this matters for safety and compliance, and how global regulations (EU, US and others) apply across different product types.
Through practical explanation of migration and related testing methods, you’ll understand how compliance is demonstrated and what the results mean. The course also explores topics such as active and intelligent packaging, recycled materials, and design for recyclability - helping you anticipate and adapt to future regulatory and market trends..
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course you will:- Understand the roles and functions of polymeric materials in food contact applications.
- Gain a clear overview of global regulations and guidelines relevant to your products.
- Recognise the importance of migration testing in achieving regulatory compliance.
- Know how to interpret test results and apply them effectively in product development.
- Be equipped to make informed decisions when developing or assessing new food contact materials.
Course content
Short Introduction to Polymer Science and the Factors Affecting Migration into Food- Overview of polymer materials
- Origin of migrants from polymer products
- Mechanisms that influence the migratory behaviour of polymers
- EU Regulations
- Council of Europe
- FDA Regulations
- Food Contact legislation in the BRIC countries
- National Regulations in Europe and other countries e.g. China, Brazil, India, Canada
- Overview of polymers and polymeric products including:
- Plastics, Rubbers and Thermosets
- Silicone materials - rubbers, resins, fluids and pastes
- Inks and coatings
- Adhesives
- Paper and board
- Recycled materials e.g. plastics, paper and board
- Laminate materials
- Plastics
- Rubbers
- Inks
- Coatings
- Silicone based products
- Plastics
- Paper and Board
- Status of other materials, e.g. rubber
- Overall migration tests
- Specific migration tests
- Analytical approaches and techniques
- Techniques used for the fingerprinting of potential migrants
- Determination of specific species in food stimulants and food products
- Analysis of food products
- Quality control of testing regimes
- Computer modelling of migration
- Active packaging
- Intelligent packaging
- Nanotechnology
- Barrier coatings
- Developments in additives, including:
- Antibacterial additives
- Non-or low migratory additives
- Additives that give non-toxic breakdown / reaction products
Who should attend
This course is ideal for professionals involved in the design, development and manufacture of food contact materials and packaging.
It will be particularly valuable for:
- Packaging product designers
- Product development technologists
- Food scientists and technologists
- Technical and quality managers
- Food processing engineers
- Procurement and supply chain personnel
Polymeric materials such as plastics, rubbers, resins and coatings are used throughout the food industry - from manufacturing and packaging to retail and catering. Anyone working with these materials will benefit from understanding their roles, the regulations that govern them, and the testing required to ensure compliance.
Meet your expert tutor
Dr Mohammed Alkattan – Consultant
With over 16 years’ experience in polymer science and biomaterials, Mohammed specialises in developing and commercialising advanced materials for medical and food-contact applications. A product development leader and consultant, he bridges the gap between R&D innovation and market-ready solutions, with expertise spanning hydrogels, biodegradable polymers and regulatory compliance.
What our delegates say about the course material
“Very good, knowledgeable staff, good content.”
Simon Pears (FFP Packaging)
“The skill set of the providers is clearly world class and it has been a privilege to listen to them.”
Rikki Speakman (Diageo Global Supply)
Contact us or download a brochure
Reach out to the training team now - ask about this course or discuss your training goals.
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