What laws apply to printing on catering glassware and tableware?

Why is legislation around printing important?

Legislation around printing can still be damn handy. We give you a few reasons why such legislation is good.

1. To be food-safe. It may seem unimportant, but the prints on your coffee cups, plates or beer glasses will soon come into contact with food or drink. This makes it very important that the prints or engravings are food-safe, preventing the wrong substances from getting into your guests' food or drinks. Laws around establishing safe printing can provide assurance that the printing is safe.
2. To avoid problems in the future. The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) is strict. If they have a bad day and storm into your catering business and see that prints are coming off and not complying with legislations, you are screwed. As a result, you receive a fine and have to buy new tableware. Costs you don't want and that could have been avoided.
3. To exude quality. This legislation not only ensures that the printing on your glassware and crockery is food-safe, but usually also that the printing itself is of excellent quality and can withstand intensive use. This means that you can use your glassware and crockery for a long time and do not have to buy new ones any time soon. As a hotel and catering entrepreneur, that makes your wallet happy.

What laws and standards are there around printing?

A quick dip into the law books: what specific laws are there and what do they stipulate? We looked it up for you.

1. Framework Regulation (EC) 1935/2004. Sounds boring, doesn't it? We explain it to you briefly and to the point so you understand what this law says. This European Union (EU) law is the basic law for all materials that come into contact with food. There is a law for that, because certain materials can obviously affect your health if it gets into your food

The main principles of this law are clear: materials must not release substances that are harmful to your health. In addition, it must not alter the smell or taste of food or drink.

2. Regulation (EC) 2023/2006 (GMP). This is the second EU law! GMP stands for Good Manufacturing Practices and is therefore more about the printing itself. The law states that the printing, inks and production methods must all be safe and hygienic.

In the Netherlands, the NVWA pays an unexpected visit to a catering establishment and checks whether you, the entrepreneur, comply with all laws; also with regard to glassware and crockery.

What are ISO standards around food safety?

What are ISO standards?

ISO standards are international standards that set the same requirements for safety, quality and sustainability of products worldwide. They are mainly intended for manufacturers and suppliers, so that everyone works according to the same yardstick. Hospitality businesses are not legally obliged to adhere to ISO standards, but it is smart to pay attention: if your glasses or crockery have been tested according to these standards, you can be sure that they are safe and that you are in a stronger position in case of an NVWA inspection.

What ISO standards for glassware and tableware are there?

There are a number of ISO standards that suppliers and catering companies can comply with.

1. ISO 4531 - safe coatings and glazes

Many tableware and glasses are glazed or specially coated. ISO 4531 checks that no harmful substances, such as lead or cadmium, are released from these. Especially if you have plates or cups with a luxury print, this is an important standard.

2. ISO 6486 - ceramic tableware

This one is about ceramics: think about your coffee cups, saucers and plates. ISO 6486 marks how much heavy metals are allowed to leak out. This doesn't happen often, but if metals leak out, it can have dire consequences. If you choose cups that have been tested for this, you know they are safe for your guests and can withstand daily use in the catering industry.

3. ISO 7086 - glassware

For glasses, there is ISO 7086. This standard determines how glasses are tested for food safety and whether substances can migrate from them. Handy to know if you have beer glasses or wine glasses with a logo made, for example: an ISO 7086 test gives you the assurance that your guests can drink without worries.

Want to know more?

In this blog, you have read about laws and ISO standards, their meanings and why they are important. Do you have questions about this or are you looking for advice on printed glassware and tableware? Feel free to ask for advice and contact Riké! We will be happy to help you.