Report of the Scientific Committee of the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) on the Guide of the National Association of Board Manufacturers (ANFTA) to verify the suitability of MDF boards intended for the manufacture of containers for fresh fruits and vegetables that are not peeled or cut

*This record is given in both English and Spanish

The Scientific Committee of AESAN (Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition) had previously evaluated the suitability of the methodology proposed by the National Association of Board Manufacturers (ANFTA) to verify compliance of MDF boards intended for the manufacture of containers for fresh or refrigerated fruits and vegetables that are not peeled or cut with Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004 on materials and articles intended to come into contact with food.

The Committee recommended the drawing-up of a sector-based Guide that would outline a detailed protocol to be followed in order to demonstrate that these requirements are fulfilled in the process of manufacturing articles obtained from MDF boards intended for the manufacture of containers for fresh or refrigerated fruits and vegetables that are not peeled or cut.

The final conclusion of the Scientific Committee is that the Guide submitted for its assessment is acceptable, at the present time, for the intended purpose.

It is recommended that the types of wood to be used be defined by their botanical names, reflecting their origin and the percentages of the different woods used in each case. Any other species would require a prior study with regard to its safety and compliance with Article 3 of Regulation (EU) No. 1935/2004, in particular aimed at ensuring the absence of migration of natural substances that may pose a risk to the consumer’s health.

Although the sustainable origin of wood is not a requirement of the Guide, it is considered a highly recommendable criterion.

The Guide should be regularly updated in the light of experience with its application, progress in scientific knowledge and changes in legislation and guidelines that may be established at a national or European Union level.