How Packaging Affects Food Safety

Since ancient times, packaging has been used to preserve, protect and communicate information about the product it contains. However, the packaging used must be safe and not contaminate the product within. Also, presently, it is increasingly important that packaging is sustainable.

Specifically, food packaging plays a critical role in keeping food supply safe. Food packaging makes it possible to safely transport food from its point of origin till the point of consumption. Also, food packaging materials should help slow down food spoilage.

The packaging material must protect the food from chemical, biological and physical alterations, in addition to keeping the food clean and providing a barrier against dirt and other contaminants.

General regulatory requirements and types of food packaging materials

In Europe, Food Contact Materials (FCMs) must meet the requirements set by the Framework Regulation (EC) 1935/2004. FCMs must not transfer components or substances to the food that may:

1- Present a health hazard
2- Change the composition of the food
3- Adversely change the organoleptic characteristics of the food.

FCMs must also be manufactured according to good manufacturing practices as stipulated in Regulation (EC) 2023/2006.

As reported in Annex I- Reg. EC 1935/2004 the list of groups of materials and articles which may be covered by specific measures are:

1. Active and intelligent materials and articles
2. Adhesives
3. Ceramics
4. Cork
5. Rubber
6. Glass
7. Ion-exchange resins
8. Metals and alloys
9. Paper and board
10. Plastics
11. Printing inks
12. Regenerated cellulose
13. Silicones
14. Textiles
15. Varnishes and coatings
16. Waxes
17. Wood

But not all materials are covered by specific regulation, the figure below shows the regulated materials:

The most comprehensive specific EU measure is Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 on plastic materials and articles. The regulation sets out rules on the composition of plastic for FCM and establishes a Union List of substances that are permitted for use in the manufacture of plastic FCMs. The Regulation also specifies restrictions on the use of these substances, sets out rules to determine the compliance of plastic materials and articles and requirements for the Declaration of Compliance.

In Cyrcular Economy, the Regulation (EU) 2022/1616  plays the relevant role for recycled plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. The Regulation repeals Regulation (EC) No. 282/2008 and it was enforced on 10 October 2022.

Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are defined by Buck et al. 2011 as

“… highly fluorinated aliphatic substances that contain one or more carbon (C) atoms on which all the hydrogen (H) substituents (present in the nonfluorinated analogues from which they are notionally derived) have been replaced by fluorine (F) atoms, in such a manner that they contain the perfluoroalkyl moiety CnF2n+1-.”

PFAS are a very large family of thousands of chemicals that vary widely in their chemical and physical properties. They pose a potential risk to human health and the environment. Investigations by the European Commission (Regulation (EU) 2022/2388) recently highlighted safety concerns about PFAS presence in certain animal foods and Food Contact Materials.

Neotron Analytical Offering

The assessment of Food Contact Material is becoming increasingly essential. Neotron laboratory offers a wide range of analytical tests to help clients determine FCM compliance.

NEOTRON OFFERING -TESTING OF PLASTIC MATERIALS
(Reg. EU No 10/2011 and National Legislation DM 21--373 and updates)

For example, contaminants like Mineral Oil (MOSH - Mineral oil Saturated Hydrocarbons / MOAH Mineral oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons) can migrate from the packaging to the food and the source of contamination must be evaluated and avoided.

Neotron can perform specific tests to evaluate the Mineral oil Contamination MOSH/MOAH from packaging especially from recycled paper/board and jute bags, in addition to testing PFAS content to investigate the route of contamination.

Neotron is accredited for over 4,500 tests and 800+ methods and utilizes state-of-the-art equipment and technology to render accurate analysis. Also, every year Neotron participates in Proficiency Tests organized by different institutions such as: FAPAS, DRRR, DGF, COI, PROOF ACS, JRC, etc.

To learn more about Food Contact Material testing or to request our services, please contact us.