Although the generic material types used to package snack and take-away
foods are the same as those used to package other foodstuffs, the food
contact conditions are quite different. Snack foods are characterised by a
high packaging usage (large surface area of packaging to mass of food ratio)
and many have fat present on the surface, which will increase the migration
of any fat soluble substances present in the packaging. The material types
used to package take-away foods, i.e., paper, cartonboard and plastics, are
used in many food contact applications. However, due to the nature of the
short-term contact it is not always necessary for these materials to be as
durable as those used to package foods for a longer period of time. Although
contact time is generally short the majority of take-away foods are served
hot, which will accelerate any migration. Like snack foods many take-away
foods also have fat on the surface. As a result of these factors, snack and
take-away food packagings are considered to warrant special mention over
other food packaging materials. In addition, the consumption of both snack
and take-away foodstuffs is increasing as consumer eating habits tend towards
more convenience foods.
This chapter describes the types of materials and articles that may come
into contact with snack and take-away foods, the factors affecting chemical
migration into these foods and beverages, and provides examples (not
exhaustive) of migration studies carried out. The current legislation applicable
to these materials is referred to but is described more fully in other chapters.
Sources of additional information are provided