SGS Consumer Testing Services

With the EU publishing an official definition of nanomaterials, changes to consumer product regulations are now expected to follow.

The EU’s REACH legislation places the responsibility squarely on manufacturers and importers to ensure the chemical composition of their products does not endanger human health.

Canada’s planned phasing out of incandescent light bulbs is delayed by two years due to consumer concerns about alternative technologies. The new deadlines in 2014 are January 1, for 100 and 75 watt bulbs and December 31, for 60 and 40 watt bulbs.

In December 2011, the European Parliament and European Council reached an agreement on a revision to the WEEE Directive, which regulates the waste of electrical and electronic equipment.

The “Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986”, generally known as Proposition (Prop) 65, is a public ballot passed with the overwhelming support of California residents in 1986.

Session Will Address the Role of Collaboration in the Food Supply Chain; Registration Required

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced on 13 September 2011 they are taking extra steps to fight E. coli in the food supply.

On December 5th, 2011 the People’s Republic of China announced a ban on the production and sale of ractopamine. Ractopamine is a controversial nerve stimulant used to increase the yield of lean meat in pigs.

The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) continues with its efforts to tighten restrictions on using Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC). The ECHA officially recommended a further 13 SVHC as candidates for the Authorization List of the REACH Regulation

Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006 was amended and substituted by Commission Regulation (EU) No. 1258/2011 on December 2, 2011. This increases the maximum nitrate content that is allowable in fresh lettuce and spinach.