Packaging

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.

New Jersey Passes Ban on PFAS in Food Packaging

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 11:43:38 -0500

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has signed into law the Protecting Against Forever Chemicals Act, which prohibits statewide the manufacture and sale of certain consumer goods that contain intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Signode Announces Advancements to Automation Portfolio for Container Producers

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 10:49:04 -0500

Signode’s automation capabilities for empty container producers—which, relevant to the food supply chain, include aluminum cans, glass and PET bottles, jars, and lightweight rigid plastics—combine conveying, robotic palletizing, strapping, and unitizing into a unified workflow.

EU Publishes Guidance for Industry on BPA Food Contact Materials Ban

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 11:25:13 -0500

The document clarifies key points about the scope of and compliance with Regulation (EU) 2024/3190, which bans the use of BPA and other hazardous bisphenols in food contact materials on the EU market.

FDA Issues RFI on Gluten Cross-Contact and Labeling for Packaged Foods

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 11:52:00 -0500

FDA has issued a Request for Information regarding labeling and preventing cross-contact of gluten in packaged foods, in an effort to improve transparency in the disclosures of ingredients that impact certain health conditions (such as gluten for those with celiac disease) and other food allergens.

Sabert Launches No-PFAS-Added Food Packaging Across Europe

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 17:57:25 -0500

Ideal for fresh, ready-to-eat dishes and hot foods, PULPUltra is grease- and oil-resistant, freezer-safe, sustainable, and compliant with new EU regulations for food contact materials.

Excelitas Introduces BlueLight Flash UVC Disinfection System for Food Industry

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 12:26:51 -0500

The pulsed light disinfection system is engineered for food processing and packaging environments, with a range of applications from direct irradiation of foodstuffs to package disinfection.

Court Ruling Closes Loophole Exempting UPFs from GMO Ingredient Labeling Rule

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0500

A U.S. appeals court has ruled that USDA must amend the Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard to close the loophole that exempts certain “ultra-processed” foods (UPFs) from displaying label disclosures for genetically modified (GM) ingredients. Additionally, the court ruled that QR code-only disclosures are unlawful without explicit on-label statements.

2026 Trends in the EU/UK Food Law Space

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0500

Some EU and UK food law changes in development could arrive sooner than expected, and others will take more time to go into effect. This article discusses food law changes to watch for in 2026.

FDA's Proposed Post-Market Assessment of Food Additives and Chemicals in Food

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is making progress on its planned endeavor to take a closer look at substances added to or otherwise found in food and food contact materials.

Sabert Introduces Compostable, No-PFAS-Added Pulp Packaging for Foodservice

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 09:59:08 -0500

Sabert Corporation Europe has launched a line of fully home compostable and recyclable foodservice packaging that is free from intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and compliant with forthcoming EU sustainability regulations.

The Perfect Storm is Brewing for Food Safety in 2026—Is Your Company Ready?

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0500

From food additive bans and obligatory food packaging changes to consumer right-to-know laws and labeling requirements, keeping abreast of the flurry of legislative and policy activity that is impacting the food industry may seem like an impossible task. This article discusses what you need to know and how best to prepare for upcoming food safety changes.

Tetra Pak Announces Landmark Use of Aseptic Packaging with Sustainable Paper Barrier

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 09:11:10 -0500

Tetra Pak has unveiled the first-ever use of its paper-based barrier technology for a juice packaging application by García Carrión. The Tetra Brik Aseptic Slim Leaf carton comprises 92 percent renewable materials and reduces carbon footprint by 43 percent.

UK FSA Shows Support for Codex Precautionary Allergen Labeling Proposals

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:06:19 -0500

At its December 2025 Board Meeting, the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommended that the agency support Codex proposals on precautionary allergen labeling (PAL) and seek UK alignment with Codex PAL recommendations.

Vitsab Introduces Freshtag Time-Temperature Monitoring Label for Food Products

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 13:33:31 -0500

Vitsab International AB has introduced Freshtag, a color-changing smart label that monitors time and temperature conditions for perishable foods along the supply chain.

Researchers Develop Active Packaging That Senses, Preserves Food Quality

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 17:07:37 -0500

The technology involves a surface-enhanced Raman scattering sensor integrated into stretchable and antimicrobial wrap. Potential applications span cold-chain logistics and storage, retail smart packaging, food safety monitoring, and meal kit delivery.