Paper and cardboard food packaging: the risk of inks

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”1463″ img_size=”full”][vc_single_image image=”1466″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Plastic containers are targeted by authorities and consumers for their impact on the environment, which has increased interest in paper and cardboard for use, among others, in food contact materials. However, this type of packaging can also pose a risk, as evidenced by a recent study by several European consumer organizations.

In the study, carried out in 4 countries, including Spain, the presence of harmful chemical substances in printing inks used in paper and cardboard packaging of edible products, as well as in disposable household items (plates, glasses, napkins …), was analysed, together with their possible migration to food. The result is that in 13 of the 76 samples analyzed, the substances studied (primary aromatic amines and photoinitiators) exceeded the recommendations used in that study.

While these substances alone do not pose a health hazard, they do contribute to increasing total exposure to chemical agents, known as the “cocktail effect”. Therefore,  the consumer associations participating in the study are demanding that the European Commission reviews the regulations regarding food contact materials, since there is currently no specific harmonized regulation applicable to this type of materials.

In Sigillum Knowledge Solutions we maintain our regulatory surveillance action, advising our clients and anticipating the potential changes that affect their products.

More information: https://www.ocu.org/alimentacion/seguridad-alimentaria/noticias/tintas-envases-papel-carton#

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