A public consultation on the migration of active or smart materials from packaging into food has been launched by The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

The consultation will shape guidelines specifying what type of information industry should provide to enable the EFSA to carry out safety assessments in line with new EU legislation.

Active food contact materials either absorb or release substances in order to extend the shelf-life or improve the condition of packaged food, while intelligent materials monitor the condition and quality of packaged food or its surrounding environment.

Interested parties can comment on the draft guidelines via the EFSA website until 22 April.

Meanwhile, an inquiry into the use of nanotechnology in the food sector has been launched by the UK House of Lords Science and Technology Committee. The inquiry will focus on packaging, processing and safety.

The committee is inviting evidence on the state of nanotechnologies R&D, the benefits and risks of nanomaterials in the food sector, and regulations and standards for food safety.

Further information: EFSA
Author : The Packaging ProfessionalPackaging Professional Magazine, 13 Mar 2009