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U.S. Senators Edward Markey and Cory Booker recently wrote a letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urging the agency to revoke its authorization for phthalates in food contact materials, arguing that the chemicals are proven to be toxic. 

To understand the full extent of human exposure to all food contact chemicals, the Food Packaging Forum has created the FCChumon Database, which documents for the first time hundreds of chemicals found in humans, and which of those are hazardous or have unknown toxicity.

A recent study explored how the use of uniform, threshold-based precautionary allergen labeling could increase food safety for allergic consumers, as well as enhance the number of foods available to them on the market. 

With relation to circular agri-food production models, a recent article authored by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) experts has explored the current and emerging risks, data gaps, and opportunities for food safety.

IFCO has launched a new innovation called Marina, a reusable fish crate that uses Bluetooth and QR codes to enable real-time data collection for cold chain management, and offering a sustainable alternative to single-use expanded polystyrene (EPS) boxes.

SÜDPACK recently introduced its new polyethylene terephthalate (PET) floatable lidding films, offering a sustainable alternative for the safe packaging of sliced meat, ham, and cheese in peelable, thermoformed, and modified atmosphere packagings.

MBM Innovations has announced its new VSM® BULKY vertical packaging machine, ideal for transport and maturing packaging for foods, pouch packaging for natural casings in brine, and loose packs.

FDA recently asserted that available scientific evidence “does not demonstrate that levels of microplastics or nanoplastics detected in foods pose a risk to human health.” However, the agency acknowledges the current science is limited by a lack of standard definitions or methods. 

Aseptic processing and packaging have emerged as paramount methods in ensuring the safety and quality of consumer packaged goods. Understanding the nuances and regulatory requirements of aseptic processing is crucial to delivering products that meet the highest standards of food quality and safety.

This article discusses state bans on PFAS in food packaging and how the patchwork legislative approach by states makes it important for manufacturers and distributors to understand each ban to ensure that they comply with applicable requirements.