Chemicals in Food Packaging

It is estimated that about one-third of all food wrapping contains latex, to which as many as 6% of people are allergic. I54l 

Polymerization aids, including initiators and catalysts, have been found in plastics intended for food contact. These include methyl benzoate, benzoic acid, biphenyl benzoate, phenyl benzoate, and azobisisobutyronitrile among the chemicals detected. I59  

Paper and board materials intended for food packaging have been found to contain a large number of toxic organic compounds in them These include alkyl and aryl aldehydes, BHT, di-tert-bu-tylphenol, and substituted benzophenones. [6°1 

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The range and sources of chemicals in food packaging that pose a potential risk... 

Specifications and Standards Test Methods. Ethylcellulose is cleared foi many apphcations in food and food contact under the Eedeial Eood, Dmg, and Cosmetic Act, as amended. Examples include binder in dry vitamin preparations for animal feed, coatings and inks for paper and paperboard products used in food packaging, and closures with sealing gaskets for food containers (44). Methods of analyses ate given in ASTM D914-72 (19), NationalFonmila XIV, and Food Chemicals Codex II. 

Di- and mono-esters of phthalic acid, an ortho-dicarboxylic acid derivative of benzene. These compounds are widely used as industrial plasticizers to coat polyvinylchloride surfaces of plastics used in food packaging and medical devices (iv drip bags, blood storage bags, etc.) and are common environmental contaminants. Several phthalate mono-esters are peroxisome proliferator chemicals and can activate the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor PPAR. 

Nitrogen In the production of ammonia by the Haber process (see p. 176) the ammonia is then used to make nitric acid, which is used in the manufacture of dyes, explosives and fertilisers In liquid form, as a refrigerant As an inert atmosphere for some processes and chemical reactions, because of its unreactive nature for example, empty oil tankers are filled with nitrogen to prevent fires In food packaging to keep the food fresh, for example in crisp packets where it also prevents the crisps being crushed (Figure 11.10)... 

Figoli et al. [96,97] reported the preparation of polymeric capsules combining the phase-inversion technique with the membrane process. Polyetheretherketone (PEEKWC) capsules of different size (300-800 micrometer) and morphology (asymmetric with a porous or dense layer) have been prepared. The SEM pictures of the prepared PEEKWC capsules are shown in Figure 21.16. The capsules can find application both in chemical and in food packaging fields [98],... 

ANs are those that contain a majority of nitrile polymers. They provide good gas barrier, chemical resistance, and low taste and odor transfer with good impact properties when modified with rubber. Extruded sheet is used extensively in food packaging and rigid packaging applications. This crystalline TP is most useful in copolymers. Its copolymer with butadiene is nitrile rubber. Acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymers with styrene (SAN) exist that are tougher than PS. It is also used as a synthetic fiber and as a chemical intermediate. 

Debeaufort, F., Quezada-Gallo, J.A., and Voilley, A. (2000). Edible barriers A solution to control water migration in foods. In Food Packaging Testing Methods and Applications. American Chemical Society, Washington, DC, pp. 9-16. 

FAVAP and PIERGIOVANNIL (1992), Carbon dioxide solnbility in foods packaged with modified atmosphere. II Correlation with some chemical-physical characteristics and composition. Industrie Alimentari, 31, 424-430. 

Products and Uses A stabilizing additive in swimming pool chemicals also used for flameproofing of fabrics and wood, as a weed killer, and in food packaging. 

PS foam is relatively chemically inert, and is acceptable for use in food packaging. PS foam trays are widely used for meat and produce. The ubiquitous coffee cup utilizes the light weight of PS foam combined with its insulating ability to provide an inexpensive container for hot drinks. Fast food outlets often use PS foam in the shape of bowls or clamshells for products that need to be kept either hot or cold. Shippers of sensitive products ranging from fish to pharmaceuticals often rely on PS foam containers to keep products cold during distribution, especially if the products are shipped by air freight. 

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