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The European Commission proposes to revise directive
89/109/EEC dated December 21, 1988 on general principles used in
food packaging. The existing legislation specifies that food contact
materials should not trigger any chemical reactions which might
change the food's taste, appearance, texture, smell or alter its
chemical composition. This applies even if the changes are beneficial,
and therefore effectively prevents the use of 'active' packaging
or 'intelligent' packaging material.
'Active Packaging' interacts with the food to reduce oxygen levels
and adds flavourings or preservatives, and 'Intelligent' packaging
materials can monitor the food and transmit information on its quality.
For instance, Oxygen scavengers used in plastics food packaging
reduce oxygen levels and thereby enhance the shelf life of food
products. The use of "ACTIVE" packaging containing oxygen scavengers
could absorb the oxygen released by the food in the package and
discourage the growth of micro-organisms that form mould on bread
and pizza crusts or cause vegetable oils to go rancid. Thus, active
packaging reduces the risk of food poisoning and helps in maintaining
the flavour of the food for a longer time. Similarly " INTELLIGENT"
packaging is so called because the packaging can change colour to
indicate food freshness to consumer. It can indicate if the food
is spoilt due to changes in the environment or possible micro leaks
in the packaging.
The revised proposal will allow the use of active components in
food packaging as long as they meet the requirements of other EU
legislations on food safety. Labelling will inform users about the
nature of the active packaging.
Another interesting safeguard the revision would affect is the
introduction of "Traceability"
at all stages of food production in the event of any possible contamination.
Traceability was established in Article 18 of Regulation (EC) No
178/2002. The proposed Regulation applies the same principles to
the production of food contact materials so businesses in the sector
can identify where food contact materials and substances used in
their manufacture have come from and where they have been supplied
to. Thus traceability will identify contamination at all stages
of production and distribution.
The proposal will now be sent to the Council and the European Parliament
for a first reading in the co-decision procedure. This revised proposal
has significant relevance to the new developments introduced in
plastics packaging for food applications. It would provide growth
opportunity for Oxygen scavengers incorporated in plastics packaging
and other newer packaging developments.
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