EFSA consults on intelligent packaging materials

packagingnews.co.uk: "Packaging materials designed to improve or monitor the condition of food and extend shelf life are the subject of a new consultation by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

EFSA is calling for comments on its proposed guidelines for 'active and intelligent substances' used in food contact materials that are designed to enable safety assessments to be carried out.

The organisation wants the industry to provide data on the materials they use, or plan to use, so they can be included in future legislation.

Comments on the draft guidelines can be submitted via the EFSA website until 22 April, after when the EFSA scientific panel will consider the final version of the guidelines.

EFSA defines an 'active' food contact material as one that absorbs or releases substances to extend shelf life or improve the condition of packaging food.

An 'intelligent' material is one that monitors the condition of the food or its environment."