Plastic Materials and Articles in Contact with Food (Lid Gasket) Regulations 2007: Guidance note

Monday 30 July 2007

The proposed 2007 Regulations will provide for the enforcement, in England, of Regulation (EC) No 372/2007 by the food authorities as defined by the Food Safety Act 1990.

The proposed regulations will also provide for offences where products subject to the provisions are in breach of them, for defences against alleged breaches of the European Regulation and for penalties that will apply upon conviction for an offence under them.

You should note that the proposed regulations and regulatory impact assessment are being consulted upon and the consultation will close in Mid-August. Following this consultation the draft Regulations will be submitted to the Minister for Public Health for her to consider making after the August Parliamentary recess. Should the Minister sign the proposed Regulations, they will be laid before Parliament for 28 days and, providing they are not prayed against in Parliament, they will enter into force in October 2007. This guidance is issued now in order to provide as much time as possible for you to understand the regulations being proposed.