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World Packaging Day on September 6 is an opportunity to move beyond a simple choice between “more” or “less” packaging. The more useful question is whether each packaging decision supports food safety and sustainability, thereby reducing total waste across the value chain.

According to the researchers, 1,222 FCCs are already known to be hazardous to human health, and more than 13,000 lack sufficient data to determine safety. Until adequate data become available, they proposed grouping FCCs based on chemical structure to help identify substances that may pose similar hazards.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak to Rhodes Yepsen, Executive Director of the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI), about developments in California packaging policy and their potential implications for food processors and packaging manufacturers. Rhodes also discusses the role of compostable packaging in food waste reduction and the tradeoffs manufacturers must consider when balancing sustainability goals with food safety, product protection, and shelf-life requirements.

The LEAK-MASTER ONE is an inline system designed to detect micro-leaks of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) at production-line speeds, combining high-sensitivity leak detection with individual package testing and traceability. 

FreshTag Flight Label is intended to support airline Food Safety Management Systems and Quality Management Systems by providing a visual indication of cumulative time-temperature exposure.

This article details how to conduct a lifecycle assessment for food packaging. 

The Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act (H.R. 9593) would amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit food packaging containing intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances, a.k.a. “forever chemicals.”

The VITAL Program and VITAL Online identify allergens that require labeling consideration, whether due to intentional inclusion or cross-contact. The update includes changes to tree nut grouping and gluten-containing cereal labeling in line with Codex reference doses (RfDs).

The label claim “STABILIZED” would indicate that a ready-to-eat (RTE) product had been formulated or processed to inhibit Listeria monocytogenes growth. The researchers advocate for formulation and process changes as listeriosis rates climb in Europe and stricter EU Listeria regulations come into effect.

Starting July 1, companies selling packaged foods in California must include food safety and quality dates using specific terminology. “Sell By” and other expiration date terms not specified in AB 660 are prohibited.