EU Members Respond to Concerns Over Bamboo Melamine Food Contact Products

Several countries in the European Union (EU) have announced bans on the importation of food contact products made from bamboo-melamine. In some cases, these countries also require the removal of these products from the market.

Country responses include:

  • Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg (Benelux countries) – requires operators to withdraw food contact ‘bamboo-melamine’ plastics immediately (enforcement from Q2 2021)
  • Finland – ban on the importation of food contact plastic materials containing bamboo fiber or unauthorized vegetable fibers + withdrawal from sale
  • Ireland – ban on food contact plastics containing unauthorized additives derived from bamboo
  • Spain – has reminded operatives that food contact plastics containing bamboo fibers, etc. are not authorized under the Food Contact Plastics Regulation and are therefore not permitted on EU markets + recommendation to remove articles from sale

Stakeholders should also be aware that Austria has rejected cups and tableware made from a mix of bamboo fibers, melamine and maize on several occasions and issued notifications via the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed portal (RASFF portal).

These announcements follow a 2020 note by the Expert Working Group on Food Contact Materials (FCM) covering food contact plastic materials and articles containing ground bamboo (‘bamboo-melamine’) or other similar constituents. This concluded that ground bamboo, bamboo flour, and many similar substances, such as corn, are not in the Union List of Authorized Substances (Union List) in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 10/2011 (Food Contact Plastics Regulation). Products containing these additives are therefore not in compliance with regulatory compositional requirements.

Stakeholders should be aware that authorization has been given for:

  • Wood flour and fibers, untreated
  • Sunflower seed hulls 

Additionally, the specific migration values for melamine and formaldehyde in products made with bamboo additives have often been found to be substantially higher than those permitted under the Food Contact Plastics Regulation. 

SGS Food Contact Materials Services

SGS’s technical experts have extensive experience of testing materials and articles in contact with food. They can ensure that your products meet the appropriate regulations for food contact materials and pave the way for compliance. SGS offers the full range of testing, including migration tests, along with expert advice on emerging regulations, compliance issues and documentation review. Learn more about SGS’s Food Contact Materials Services. 

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Several EU Member States Announce the Prohibition of Food Contact Bamboo-Melamine Plastics SafeGuardS. 

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For further information contact:

Dr. Udo Krischke
Global Technical Manager RSTS
Tel: +49 6128 744 235

Dr. HingWo Tsang

Global Information and Innovation Manager

Tel: (+852) 2774 7420

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines

LinkedIn: sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail

About SGS

SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 89,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.

Storm FS Offers Complete Line Of Products And Services To Protect Your Home Business

When it comes to home security Walton-on-Thames systems, Storm FS is on top of it all. There are many reasons you should invest in a home security system today, including protecting your family, your valuables, and your property.

Did you know that 1 in 3 homes that don’t have proper home security Walton-on-Thames systems fall victim to burglaries? This is why you should check out this complete line of products and services from Storm FS that you will need to heighten your home security.

CCTV Services

Storm FS was established with the idea that security Walton-on-Thames companies should offer an honest and real approach to the systems that they’re selling. Their line of products is more than just your usual lock and key. They also offer high-quality and professional CCTV services from well-known manufacturers like UNV, Avigilon, Pelco, Axis, and Hikvision.

You’d also be happy to know that they design, install, as well as serve a wide array of systems from fully IP addressed systems to basic switcher camera systems. The DVR system is one of the most reliable systems for your home security.

Access Control

Of course, your home security should not only include CCTV systems. Prevent unauthorized people from entering your home with a highly advanced access control system. Storm FS offers access control for either residential or commercial properties. Their services are very tailored to their clients to ensure maximum security.

Depending on your requirements, Storm FS can offer various stand-alone, PC-based integrated systems or single door entry systems. Access control is important to have, whether that’s your garage door at home or over 15 doors at your office.

Fire and Life Safety

Fire and life safety systems are often neglected because most people wouldn’t think it would happen. However, properties are often required to submit an evacuation plan should the need arise. Furthermore, the building's interior should be designed to protect people from emergencies like earthquakes and fires.

By law, your property should have a complete fire alarm system serviced on an annual basis. If you want to discuss this security system's installation further, we would be happy to assist you in finding the best solution for your needs at an affordable price.

Intruder Alarms

If we are talking about home security systems, then let’s not forget about intruder alarms. Due to the advancement of technology, intruder alarms were able to help lower the number of burglaries for the past years.

You can ensure that the products and home security systems used and offered by Storm FS all come from some of the leading manufacturers that guarantee high-performance rates, a high level of reliability, ease of use, aesthetics, and so much more.

In addition to all of this, note that your home security systems should be regularly maintained so that you’ll be able to ensure their performance. If you have any questions regarding your current home security system or if you’re looking to upgrade it, you can contact Storm FS at 020 8941 3384 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Marketing and Funnel Tech is a Pioneer in Offering the Services of Clickfunnels for Lawyers

9-3-2021. The United States. Application of marketing funnel stages helps the businesses to follow the journey of a customer from top to bottom. The major goal of applying marketing funnels to a business is to learn and understand more about potential buyers. And this is where a business can plan and streamline the sales process as well as retain the current customers.

Marketing and Funnel Tech is one of the Integrated digital marketing service provider that aims and works to get better as well as faster outcomes. Marketing and Funnel Tech is a leading service provider and consulting firm with a focus on small and mid-sized businesses. Creating the best marketing sales funnel strategy is highly essential and it can be achieved by taking help from Marketing and Funnel Tech, who have years of experience.

Marketing and Funnel Tech is a leader and is a familiar strategist who creates marketing funnel stages, which help in identifying in which part of the website are the users interested. Marketing and Funnel Tech understands the need for businesses and work and then plan where the marketing funnels need to be added to the website. Then work on those specialized sections to improve and convert the users into customers thereby increasing sales along with the conversions. And this is the best conceptualization that helps in a better understanding of the customers' journey throughout the site. The marketing sales funnel strategy consists of the steps that better describes a buyer’s sales process right from the start until they complete the purchase and finish it.

Marketing and Funnel Tech as the experts who are well known for creating the marketing funnels which will visually say where the customers are interested in the services offered. The major reason for applying marketing funnel stages for a website is to help the businesses understand the needs of their target audience through this conversion optimization journey and how interesting they need to be made to increase and grow the sales. Marketing and Funnel Tech puts in their efforts to strengthen these portions and the businesses to convert their users into customers and into sales that will increase the ROI of the business.

Marketing and Funnel Tech also helps the law providers with the application of clickfunnels for lawyer websites and builds the strategy of marketing sales funnel by doing the required research of the services offered. For more details, visit: https://marketingandfunneltech.com/inbound-marketing-and-sales-funnels/

MORBiZ Releases New Guide to Must Use Online Review Sites for Small Businesses

There are many, many websites designed to let consumers review businesses, while providing those businesses a free place to list their contact and services information online. Most of these sites will automatically create a business listing for a company, but far too often it contains inaccurate phone numbers, addresses, or other info. It’s necessary to claim these free profiles to ensure listing accuracy, but so you can also be a part of the conversation surrounding your business by responding to reviews. Of all the review sites out there, here’s seven the web presence experts at MORBiZ say you definitely need to be active onl


Google My Business Reviews
The single most important review site to ensure is accurate and active is your business’ Google My Business (GMB) page. As a Google service, it is crucial for SEO and company credibility, both online and off.

Yelp Reviews
Yelp is among the top review sites and business profiles often show up in Internet search results. Showing an active presence on your Yelp page will indicate a dedication to maintaining a quality reputation.

Facebook
Facebook is far more than a social media website, it’s a marketing giant for companies big and small. It’s also a place for consumers to leave reviews. Facebook reviews can be turned off on a page by page basis, but you should certainly have an active business profile to interact with fans whether you utilize the feature or not.

Bing Places for Business
Bing may not be the most popular search engine, but it's still widely used. Their version of GMB is called Bing Places for Business and it works in a similar manner. Verifying your business here is critical if you want to show up on Bing Local search and map results.

YellowPages
The days of print may be in the past, but YellowPages still holds a stake in the business listing marketplace. After creating your free business profile on YellowPages you will be able to manage reviews on this popular directory site.

Angie’s List
As one of the first major review sites, many consumers find Angie’s List to have some of the most credible customer evaluation, especially since they can’t be anonymous. Be sure to set up your free profile to boost SEO and customer interactions.

Better Business Bureau
The BBB is among the most trustworthy consumer sites, as it verifies all reviews. The Better Business Bureau also offers separate ratings of businesses, ranging from A to F, which are independent from the public assessments left by users.

In some cases, managing online reviews can be a full time job, especially considering these seven sites are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to review platforms. If you would like a hand claiming and engaging with review sites, reach out to MORBiZ and ask about WebStar Reputation Management. Our team of small business web marketing professionals would love to share more information about this exciting Internet reputation tool. Give us a call toll free at 855-266-7249 or use the contact form at www.morbiz.com/web-contact-formto get started today.

France Increases Filtration Efficiency Requirements for Face Masks

In response to the latest changes in the COVID-19 pandemic, the French Government has recently issued a decree that recommends only face covering masks with a filtration efficiency of at least 90% be used.

Issued on January 27, 2021, with the Cross Ministries Note updated on January 28, 2021, Decree No. 2021-76 takes on board the recommendations of the Public Health High Council (Haut conseil de la Santé publique). It states:

- Face masks are mandatory in all public areas
- Compliant and non-compliant masks must be separated at the point of sale
- Distributors must inform consumers when masks comply, or not, with the recommendations
- Face masks must comply with one of the following category requirements:

  • Surgical masks are defined as medical devices and must conform to EN 14683+AC:2019 (or equivalent)
  • Imported masks, with surgical shape, excluding textile fabric masks, which performs at a level that is at least equal to those mentioned in the fourth bullet point
  • Mask FFP2 or FFP3 (EN 149 or equivalent) without respiratory valves
  • Masks for Non-Sanitary Use (UNS) complying with:
    1. Particle filtration efficiency greater than 90% (3 microns)
    2. Breathability allowing wearing the mask for 4 hours
    3. Air permeability greater than 96L/m²/s (depression 100Pa)
    4. Good fit of the mask on the face, no sagittal seam
    5. If reusable, more than 5 washes

 

Stakeholders should be aware that these requirements must be checked by an approved third-party laboratory in accordance with the conditions in the Decree. It should also be noted that reusable textile masks can still be used if they comply with requirements in the decree.

 

The main purpose and requirements are similar with previous version of Cross Ministries Note:

  • Care cycle – 40°C (instead of 60), can be machine washed or hand washed, drying can be air dry or tumble dry and ironing depends on manufacturer's instruction
  • Filtration efficiency must be greater than 90% (strictly)
  • Test method remains DGA method Annex 2
  • Updated logo must be affixed to product, label or packaging
  • Consumers must be given relevant information prior to purchasing, even for online and mail order sales
  • Previous logo for Cat 1 can be used until the December 31, 2021 for goods that have been produced or imported before March 1, 2021
  • Mask Cat 2 can no longer be sold as Masque Grand Public
  • Data record requested by DGE (on their website) is applicable until March 31, 2021. The obligation ceases to be applicable after April 1, 2021, but may remain voluntary to allow market surveillance and customs to check compliance
  • Masks with "Grand Public filtration supérieure à 90%" must clearly be marked stating they cannot be washed over 50 times.

The update follows various mutations of the coronavirus, which may be more contagious and/or more dangerous.

SGS Softlines Services

SGS has a worldwide network of over 40 state-of-the-art laboratories specializing in testing of apparel, footwear, and home textiles. Their committed team is drawn from multi-disciplinary backgrounds, allowing them to carry out a comprehensive range of physical, chemical, and functional testing services for components, materials and finished products. SGS helps companies ensure quality, performance, and compliance with international, industrial, and regulatory standards worldwide. Learn more about SGS’s Softlines Services. 

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full France requires higher filtration efficiency for Face covering masks SafeGuardS. 

Subscribe here to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

For further information contact:

Valerie CIMETIERE

Textile Expert

Tel: +33 (0)6 82 90 18 99

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: www.sgs.com/softlines      

LinkedIn: sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail

About SGS

SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 89,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.