Draft Ministerial Regulation for Plastic Bags Used in Microwaving

The draft ministerial regulation for plastic bags used in microwave food heating outlines stringent standards to ensure safety and quality. Here’s a summary of the key requirements:

Public Comment Period:

• Deadline: August 30, 2024.

Standards Specifications:

• Types of Plastics: Must comply with specified plastic types and materials.
• Dimensions and Tolerances: Clear guidelines for measuring length, width, and thickness using designated tools and methods.

Labeling Requirements:

• Information: Type of plastic, dimensions, usage instructions.
• Label Quality: Must be clear and indelible.

Testing and Safety Features:

• Dimension Measurement:
  • Expandable bags measured using a formula based on different points.
• Color Fastness:
  • Ensures printing colors do not transfer onto food.
• Metal Testing:
  • Use of Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) for detecting metal presence.
• Microwave Use:
  • Tests to ensure no sparking or abnormalities at specified power levels and durations.
• Temperature Resistance:
  • Bags must withstand specified temperatures without deformation.
• Tensile Strength:
  • Assessment using a tensile testing machine; results reported in Newtons and megapascals.
  • Elongation at break is measured to evaluate flexibility.

Safety and Compliance:

• Color Safety: Printing colors must be safe for food contact and free of harmful substances.
• Substance Limits:
  • Limits for dissolved substances and metals in the plastic.
• Packaging:
  • Bags must be packed in clean containers to prevent contamination.
  • Packaging must not transfer color to the bags.
• Labeling on Packaging:
  • Must include product names, dimensions, thickness, model, operating temperatures, quantity, manufacturer details.
  • Symbols indicating food safety.

Appendix:

• Symbols for Food Safety:
  • Includes details on wavelengths used to measure various metals.

This regulation aims to ensure that plastic bags used in microwaving are safe, durable, and properly labeled to protect consumer health and maintain food safety.

Source: https://eping.wto.org/en/Search?countryIds=C764&viewData=%20G%2FTBT%2FN%2FTHA%2F692%2FRev.1##~https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2024/TBT/THA/24_04104_00_x.pdf

Region: Thailand