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Food grade packaging: Ensuring safe and quality food
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Thursday, 23 February, 2023, 14 : 00 PM [IST]
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Vikas Bansal
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Food is essential for human survival, and it is imperative that the food we consume is safe and of good quality. Food safety is not just limited to the production process but extends to the packaging used to store and transport food. Food grade packaging ensures that the food we eat is safe, free from contamination, and retains its quality for a longer duration.
Packaging has undergone a significant transformation over the years, and the food industry has also experienced a shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions. This article will discuss food grade packaging, its types, importance, regulations and standards, challenges, and future trends.
• Global demand for food packaging is expected to reach $290 billion by 2025, driven by factors such as rising demand for convenience foods, increasing urbanisation, and growing awareness of food safety and quality.
• Plastic is the most commonly used material for food packaging, accounting for about 45% of the market. Other materials used include paper and board, glass, and metal.
• The global market for plastic food packaging is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.0% from 2020 to 2027.
• The Asia Pacific region is the largest market for food packaging, accounting for over 40% of global demand.
• The use of sustainable and eco-friendly food packaging is on the rise, with consumers becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of packaging waste. In fact, a study found that 60% of consumers are willing to pay more for food products that are packaged sustainably.
• According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), food packaging materials must be "suitable and safe for their intended use." This means that packaging materials must not contain harmful substances that can migrate into food and cause health risks.
• The FDA regulates food packaging materials under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) and the Fair Packaging and Labelling Act (FPLA). The agency sets limits on the levels of certain substances that can migrate from packaging materials into food, such as lead, cadmium and phthalates.
• The European Union (EU) has also established regulations for food packaging materials under the Framework Regulation on Food Contact Materials. The regulation sets specific requirements for the safety and quality of food packaging materials, including migration limits for certain substances.
Food grade packaging is any material that comes into contact with food and is designed to maintain its quality, freshness, and safety. The packaging should not transfer any harmful substances to the food and must prevent contamination from external sources such as dirt, bacteria, and moisture. Food grade packaging can be in the form of a container, wrapper, or cover, and it must comply with strict regulations and standards set by the regulatory bodies. There are several types of food grade packaging materials, each with its own advantages and limitations. The following are the commonly used food grade packaging materials:
Glass is a popular food grade packaging material, and it is widely used for storing and preserving food. Glass containers are impermeable, which means they do not allow air or liquids to pass through, making them ideal for keeping food fresh. Glass is also non-toxic and does not interact with the food, making it an excellent option for acidic food such as tomato sauce. However, glass packaging is heavy and fragile, making it challenging to transport and dispose of.
Metals such as aluminium and steel are commonly used for food packaging. Aluminium is lightweight, flexible, and has a high barrier property, making it an ideal material for food packaging. It is commonly used for packaging beverages, canned food, and pet food. Steel, on the other hand, is sturdy and can be recycled, making it a sustainable option for packaging food. However, metal packaging may react with acidic and alkaline food, leading to contamination.
Plastic is one of the most widely used materials for food packaging. It is lightweight, cheap, and versatile, making it suitable for packaging different types of food. Plastics can be made into various shapes and sizes, and they are excellent for packaging snacks, fruits, and vegetables. However, plastic packaging can leach harmful chemicals into the food, especially when exposed to high temperatures. Moreover, plastic waste is a significant environmental problem, and efforts are being made to reduce its usage.
Paper and cardboard packaging are made from renewable resources and are biodegradable, making them an eco-friendly option for food packaging. They are commonly used for packaging dry food such as cereal, crackers, and pasta. However, paper and cardboard packaging are not suitable for packaging wet food as they can easily tear and become soggy.
Food grade packaging is of utmost importance for several reasons:
• Safety: Food grade packaging materials ensure that the food is protected from contamination during transportation and storage. The packaging should not react with the food or transfer harmful chemicals to the food.
• Preservation: The packaging should keep the food fresh, preserve its nutritional value, and prevent it from spoiling. It should also protect the food from moisture, light and air.
• Convenience: The packaging should be easy to handle, open, and reseal. It should also be appropriate for the intended use (e.g. microwave safe, freezer safe).
• Marketing: The packaging can be used to attract customers through its visual appeal, shape, size, and design.
• Regulations: The use of food grade packaging is mandated by law to ensure the safety and quality of food products. Food packaging materials and additives are regulated by various government agencies to ensure they are safe for use with food.
Regulations and standards are in place to ensure that food grade packaging materials are free from harmful substances and contaminants that can contaminate food and pose a risk to public health.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates food grade packaging under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The FDA has established a list of substances that are generally recognised as safe (GRAS) for use in food contact materials. This list includes a wide range of materials, including plastics, coatings, and adhesives, and it is regularly updated to reflect new scientific findings.
The FDA also regulates the use of food contact materials through its food additive approval process. This process requires manufacturers to demonstrate the safety of any new substance that is intended for use in food contact materials. The approval process involves submitting safety data to the FDA for review and evaluation.
In addition to federal regulations, there are also industry standards for food grade packaging. The most commonly used standard in the United States is the Food Contact Materials Regulation (FCMR), which is developed and maintained by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
The FCMR sets out specific requirements for the safety and quality of food contact materials, including criteria for migration of substances from the packaging material to the food, overall safety requirements for the packaging material, and guidelines for testing and analysis.
The FCMR also establishes requirements for labelling and documentation of food contact materials. These requirements include information on the intended use of the material, the types of food that can be safely packaged with the material, and any limitations on use.
In Europe, food grade packaging is regulated by the European Union (EU). The EU has established a comprehensive framework for the safety of food contact materials, known as the Framework Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004.
This regulation sets out general safety requirements for food contact materials and requires manufacturers to demonstrate the safety of any new substance that is intended for use in food contact materials. The EU also maintains a positive list of authorised substances that can be used in food contact materials, known as the EU List of Approved Substances.
The EU also has specific regulations and guidelines for different types of food contact materials, such as plastics, ceramics, and paper and board.
Food grade packaging plays a crucial role in the food industry, ensuring that food products are properly preserved and protected from contamination during transportation and storage. However, there are several challenges that the industry faces when it comes to food grade packaging.
Here are some of the major challenges:
• Ensuring safety: One of the most important challenges in food grade packaging is ensuring that the packaging material is safe for use with food products. The packaging material must be non-toxic, non-reactive, and not release any harmful substances into the food.
• Maintaining quality: Another major challenge is maintaining the quality of the packaged food. The packaging material must be able to preserve the food's taste, texture, colour, and nutritional value, while also preventing spoilage and contamination.
• Meeting regulatory requirements: The food industry is heavily regulated, and food grade packaging must meet strict regulatory requirements. These regulations vary by country and region, and cover issues such as labelling, ingredient approval, and packaging safety.
• Sustainability: Another challenge in food grade packaging is sustainability. Many consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of packaging materials, and the industry is under pressure to develop more sustainable packaging solutions.
• Cost: Cost is another major challenge in food grade packaging. The packaging must be affordable, yet still meet the requirements for safety, quality, and sustainability. This can be difficult to achieve, particularly for small- and medium-sized food companies.
• Technology: Technology plays an important role in food grade packaging, and companies need to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in packaging technology. This includes new materials, innovative designs, and advanced packaging machinery.
• Consumer preferences: Finally, consumer preferences and trends can also be a challenge in food grade packaging. Consumers are increasingly demanding convenient, easy-to-use packaging, and companies must adapt to these changing preferences while still meeting safety, quality, and sustainability requirements.
The future of food grade packaging is likely to be influenced by several factors, including changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and environmental concerns. Here are some potential trends and developments that could shape the future of food grade packaging:
• Sustainable materials: With growing awareness of environmental issues, there is likely to be a continued shift towards sustainable packaging materials. Biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable materials are likely to become more common in the food industry.
• Smart packaging: With the increasing demand for traceability and transparency, smart packaging is likely to become more prevalent. These packages can provide information about the product, its origin, and its expiration date, among other details.
• Minimalist packaging: In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards minimalist packaging, which is designed to reduce waste and improve the sustainability of the packaging. This trend is likely to continue, with more companies focusing on packaging that is minimal and easy to recycle.
• Convenience packaging: Convenience packaging, such as single-serve and portion-controlled packaging, is likely to continue to grow in popularity, as consumers seek out easy-to-use and portable options.
• Increased use of robotics and automation: The use of robotics and automation in the packaging process is likely to increase in the coming years, as companies seek to improve efficiency and reduce labour costs.
In conclusion: Food grade packaging is essential for ensuring the safety, preservation, convenience, marketing and regulatory compliance of food products. food grade packaging faces numerous challenges, including safety, quality, regulatory compliance, sustainability, cost, technology, and consumer preferences. Addressing these challenges requires a combination of innovation, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the complex and evolving food industry. The future of food grade packaging is likely to be shaped by a combination of factors, including sustainability, convenience, and technology. Companies that are able to innovate in these areas are likely to be the most successful in the years to come. The regulations and standards are constantly evolving and being updated to reflect new scientific findings and to ensure that food packaging materials are safe for consumers.
(The author is associate professor, Department of Food Technology, School of Engineering & Technology, Jaipur National University, Jaipur. He can be contacted at vikasbnsl@gmail.com)
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