Oxygen scavengers and intelligent plastics food packaging to grow with directive modification by EC?

The European Commission proposes to revise directive 89/109/EEC dated December 21, 1988 on general principles used in food packaging. The existing legislation specifies that food contact materials should not trigger any chemical reactions which might change the food's taste, appearance, texture, smell or alter its chemical composition. This applies even if the changes are beneficial, and therefore effectively prevents the use of 'active' packaging or 'intelligent' packaging material.

'Active Packaging' interacts with the food to reduce oxygen levels and adds flavourings or preservatives, and 'Intelligent' packaging materials can monitor the food and transmit information on its quality. For instance, Oxygen scavengers used in plastics food packaging reduce oxygen levels and thereby enhance the shelf life of food products. The use of "ACTIVE" packaging containing oxygen scavengers could absorb the oxygen released by the food in the package and discourage the growth of micro-organisms that form mould on bread and pizza crusts or cause vegetable oils to go rancid. Thus, active packaging reduces the risk of food poisoning and helps in maintaining the flavour of the food for a longer time. Similarly " INTELLIGENT" packaging is so called because the packaging can change colour to indicate food freshness to consumer. It can indicate if the food is spoilt due to changes in the environment or possible micro leaks in the packaging.

The revised proposal will allow the use of active components in food packaging as long as they meet the requirements of other EU legislations on food safety. Labelling will inform users about the nature of the active packaging.

Another interesting safeguard the revision would affect is the introduction of �"Traceability" at all stages of food production in the event of any possible contamination. Traceability was established in Article 18 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002. The proposed Regulation applies the same principles to the production of food contact materials so businesses in the sector can identify where food contact materials and substances used in their manufacture have come from and where they have been supplied to. Thus traceability will identify contamination at all stages of production and distribution.

The proposal will now be sent to the Council and the European Parliament for a first reading in the co-decision procedure. This revised proposal has significant relevance to the new developments introduced in plastics packaging for food applications. It would provide growth opportunity for Oxygen scavengers incorporated in plastics packaging and other newer packaging developments.

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