SGS Consumer Testing Services

Robust regulations and requirements for toys and toy safety in the European Union and USA are impacting product recall notifications and leading to an increase in market surveillance.

Most food exporters, importers, manufacturers, packers, distributors, food service operators and retailers have recall programs to remove from the marketplace products that have some form of hazard.

SGS will participate as an exhibitor at MEDICA 2014, taking place in Dusseldorf, Germany, November 15–23. Thanks to its strengthened position in the Medical Devices industry, SGS will present at MEDICA 2014 an expanded inspection.

A completely new method for phthalates in toys and children’s products has been published. It is based on a Chinese method and is intended to be used as a method standard in conformity assessments.

In May 2014, an international standard ISO 14389:2014 Textiles – Determination of phthalate content – Tetrahydrofuran method was published and supersedes the European standard EN 15777:2009 which was withdrawn in July 2014.

On 19 August 2014, Regulation (EU) No 895/2014 amending Annex XIV of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH) was published in the Official Journal of the European Union (1).

Effective from 21 August 2014, Canada requires all mechanically tenderized beef to be clearly labeled as “mechanically tenderized” and include instructions for safe cooking. (1)

On 1 September 2014, the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) launched the second 2014 public consultation on 10 potential Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC). (1)

The United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection Service (USDA FSIS) announced on 5 August 2014 that they are allowing a higher level of tomato lycopene extract and concentrate colorant in ready to eat/processed meat.

Canada has announced a Regulatory Initiative to amend the Children’s Jewelry Regulations. A 75-day period for public comments is expected to take place during the Fall of 2014.