High-tech packaging needs strict control

New food packaging: typesThe Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) yesterday said strong legislation was needed to ensure high-tech packaging, aimed at extending the shelf-life of food products, does not pose a health risk to consumers.

New packaging which can release additives into food products, change colour in response to temperature and absorb moisture is expected to be launched on the market shortly.

Mr Alan Reilly, the FSAI's acting chief executive, told an Oireachtas committee yesterday that while these products were a welcome development for consumers, proper controls were needed to minimise the threat to public health and confidence in food safety.

"Recent incidents, such as the contamination of baby food with a substance migrating from packaging materials, highlights the absolute need for legislative powers to be available to competent authorities in this regard," Mr Reilly said.

"We also want to see adequate labelling on foodstuffs to detail the materials in packaging so that consumers can make informed choices."

He said all packaging material could potentially transfer some of its constituents into the food it is in contact with. EU states would have to update food legislation to comply with the new system.

Changes to EU regulations will pave the way for "active packaging", used to prolong shelf life and inhibit the growth of micro-organisms, and "intelligent packaging", which allows for monitors or displays on packaging to indicate the freshness of food.

Mr Reilly said amendments to new EU regulations had been agreed for this packaging, such as an obligation on food producers to identify on the label what substances would be deliberately released from packaging.

"These should ensure consumers are not misled about either the packaging or the condition of the packaged food they purchase. Active packaging would only be permitted to release substances authorised as food additives," Mr Reilly told the Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business.

The FSAI has also requested the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to ensure that rigorous toxicological assessments are carried out on substances used to manufacture packaging materials.

Mr Reilly said Ireland was well-placed to ensure compliance with the regulations as laboratory facilities for testing food contact materials for compliance with this legislation had increased in recent years.

Active packaging - Releases approved additives into food and inhibits growth of micro-organisms to prolong the shelf life of the products.

Intelligent packaging - Allows for monitors or displays on packaging to indicate the freshness of food. May also indicate if frozen food has thawed during storage and transport.

Edible plastic packaging - Edible film developed by Irish researchers made from whey protein isolate and low molecular weight placticisers. It could lead to the wrappers on sandwiches, pizzas and other fast food wrappers becoming part of the snack.