Chemical migration from active and intelligent packaging materials into food

Chemical migration from active and intelligent packaging materials into food 

In spite of all these precautions a number of foods remain perishable to deterioration by microbial growth or chemical reactions. The sensory appearance of the food may be improved by adding or removing food constituents from the packaged food. Active packaging materials are available for various applications that may solve some of the problems found in food production and distribution and they may extend the shelf life or improve the appearance of foodstuffs. 

Producers, retailers and consumers are often interested in reliable information on the quality of the food. Information on composition is often printed on the outside of the package as well as a use by or best before date. However, this does not provide information about whether the food has been contaminated 

The results of the investigation contributed to the revision of framework Directive 89/109/EEC on food contact materials. In the new Eramework Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004 the use of active and intelligent packaging systems is now included. 

A project group under the Nordic Council of Ministers published in 2000, a comprehensive report on legislative aspects of active and intelligent food packaging, also contributed to proposals for new legislation. 

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