Packaging

Lifecycle Assessment in Food Packaging: What Food Industry Professionals Need to Know

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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

Bipartisan Bill Would Ban PFAS Food Packaging in U.S.

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 08:29:08 -0400

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.”

Allergen Bureau to Update VITAL Online, Reflecting Latest International Guidance

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 12:37:02 -0400

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).

Danish Researchers Propose Voluntary Labeling Scheme for Listeria-Stabilized RTE Foods

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0400

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.

California Law Standardizing ‘Best By’ Dates Now in Effect: What Packaged Food Manufacturers Need to Know

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0400

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.

Honey Sold in EU Must Now Carry Countries of Origin on Label

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400

New EU labeling regulations for honey went into effect on June 14, introducing strengthened requirements for country-of-origin declarations.

New GS1 US Guidance Helps Foodservice, Food Retail Companies Meet Packaging EPR Requirements

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Responding to new and expanding state-level Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) packaging laws, GS1 US released a resource to help industry adapt.

Survey Reveals How U.S. Consumers Use Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labels

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Commissioned by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) and published at a time when FDA is considering a federally standardized FOP nutrition labeling scheme, the survey provides insight into what Americans are seeking from FOP nutrition labels.

FDA Supports Grouping Several Phthalates for Cumulative Risk Assessment

Wed, 27 May 2026 12:19:46 -0400

FDA published a literature review on the eight phthalates currently approved for food contact uses to determine whether they should be considered chemically and/or pharmacologically related for the purpose of cumulative risk assessment.

Codex Moves to Adopt Standardized Precautionary Allergen Labeling, Kicks UPFs Can Down the Road

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Tue, 19 May 2026 12:22:46 -0400

During the 49^th Meeting of the Codex Committee on Food Labeling (CCFL49), guidelines on risk-based precautionary allergen labeling, labeling for multipack foods, and emergency flexible labeling were recommended for adoption. CCFL also declined a proposal to initiate work related to ultra-processed foods.

FAO Highlights Food Safety Risks of Recycled, Renewable Plastics Used for Food Packaging

Mon, 18 May 2026 10:04:12 -0400

Chemical migration and microplastics shedding from recycled plastic food contact materials pose potential food safety concerns. Biopolymer risks are also not yet fully understood. The Codex Alimentarius Commission is considering developing guidance on recycled materials used in food packaging.

Australia, New Zealand Consider Mandatory Nutrition Star Ratings on Packaged Foods

Mon, 11 May 2026 05:00:00 -0400

FSANZ is accepting public comments on the proposed Health Star Rating, which is an interpretive front-of-pack nutrition labeling tool that summarizes a food’s overall nutritional profile using a simple star rating.

New USDA Dietary Guidelines with a Focus on Food Packaging

Fri, 08 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

This article discusses what the recently released Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025–2030 say about "highly processed foods" and the food packaging concerns associated with such foods.

New Mexico Bans ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Food Packaging, Cookware; Sets PFAS Labeling Rules

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Thu, 07 May 2026 09:15:56 -0400

New Mexico has published a final rule enforcing the New Mexico PFAS Protection Act, outlining a staggered prohibition on the sale of products containing intentionally added PFAS, and describing a PFAS warning label for products still containing the chemicals.

Bill Reintroduced to Overhaul Front-of-Pack Food Labels, Ingredients Lists

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 09:06:52 -0400

Among other provisions, the Food Labeling Modernization Act would set conditions for the use of the terms “natural” and “healthy,” expedite the creation of a front-of-pack nutrition labeling system, and improve ingredient list readability.

Higher Temperatures, Fat Content May Increase Chemical Migration from Biodegradable Food Packaging

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400

A recent study evaluated the migration of non-intentionally added substances from biodegradable food contact materials (FCMs) under different conditions. The researchers underlined the importance of optimizing polymer blends and processing, and considering chemical analysis in FCM risk assessment.

U.S. Codex Office to Hold Public Meeting Ahead of CCFL49

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 14:00:00 -0400

The objective of the virtual public meeting is to provide information and receive public comments on agenda items and draft U.S. positions to be discussed at the upcoming 49^th Session of the Codex Committee on Food Labeling (CCFL49).

EU Publishes Guidance for Industry on New Packaging Law

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) limits PFAS in food packaging, bans single-use plastics for fruit and vegetables under a certain weight, and sets forth other changes, with compliance deadlines beginning as early as August 2026.

California Bill Would Create Certification, Seal for Non-Ultra-Processed Foods

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:15:46 -0400

Introduced by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, AB 2244 would establish the “California Certified” seal for non-ultra-processed foods (non-UPFs) that can be displayed on the label of qualified food products, similar to the "USDA Organic" seal.

Türkiye Set to Ban Single-Use Food Contact Materials in Line with EU Regulations

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 09:52:14 -0400

Expected to take effect by the end of 2027 after stakeholder consultations, the regulation, modeled after the EU’s Single-Use Plastics directive, would prohibit items like plastic cutlery, plates, and straws. Future phases would enforce further requirements for other articles.

LSU Researchers are Developing Farm-to-Packaging Produce Safety Strategies

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0400

The Achyut Adhikari Research Group is conducting several projects focused on preventive, FSMA-aligned strategies to reduce microbiological risks during pre-harvest and processing of produce, including hydroponic production, manure fertilizer treatment, food-contact surface sanitation, and antimicrobial packaging development.

PFAS-Free Food Packaging by August 2026

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

As the EU moves to meet goals set for climate neutrality and achieve a circular economy, EU Regulation 2025/40 dictates rules and procedures to reduce packaging waste, without causing adverse risk to the consumer.

RFK Jr. Says Federal Ultra-Processed Foods Definition is Coming in April

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 09:59:13 -0500

In his remarks on a recent Joe Rogan Experience podcast episode, Secretary Kennedy also suggested FDA is considering a new approach to front-of-pack nutrition labeling.

Monadnock’s Compostable Card Achieves TÜV OK Home Compost Certification

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Intended as a single-use plastic replacement, the sustainable material is FDA food contact-compliant, moisture-resistant, and temperature-stable.

Study Shows Nanoplastics Can Increase Salmonella Virulence, Biofilm Formation, Drug Resistance

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 10:59:10 -0500

Researchers found that the presence of nanoplastic particles can increase the expression of virulence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes in Salmonella, and can also encourage biofilm formation.

Researchers Develop Affordable, Scalable Mushroom-Based Food Packaging

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 11:51:15 -0500

Unlike plastic, the mycelium- and cellulose-based material is biodegradable and free of chemicals of concern. It is likely safe for humans and the environment in the long term, as demonstrated by humanity’s history of consuming fungi.

EU Considers Adoption of Harmonized Precautionary Allergen Labeling Rules

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Following Codex recommendations for risk-based allergen Precautionary Allergen Labeling (PAL) and thresholds, the European Commission has posted a forthcoming draft act to its public feedback portal on harmonized requirements for the use of voluntary PAL statements.

Ep. 212. Dr. Claire Sand: The Future of Food Packaging and Chemicals of Concern

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 02:30:00 -0500

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak to food science and packaging expert Dr. Claire Sand about the regulatory, sustainability, and technical considerations for food companies regarding chemicals of concern in packaging, and what the future of food packaging might look like.

California Legislation Tightens Produce Industry Requirements for Categorical Exclusion from EPR Program

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 12:04:00 -0500

CalRecycle has issued a final draft of the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54), which establishes an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program to manage packaging and single-use plastic. Western Growers shared concerns about the produce industry’s ability to qualify for categorical exclusion.

FDA Allows Foods with ‘Natural’ Food Dyes to Claim ‘No Artificial Colors’

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 12:52:12 -0500

As part of its efforts to encourage industry to phase out the use of petroleum-based synthetic food dyes, FDA is expanding the allowed uses of the label claim “no artificial colors” on food products and has approved a new naturally derived colorant for food.