Food Packaging Paper Standards Explained: Fluorescent Substances in Instant Noodle and Milk Tea Paper Containers

Following recent media reports that paper containers used for instant noodles, milk tea and similar foods may contain excessive fluorescent substances and pose health risks, here is a clarification of the standards that apply to food packaging paper.

In China, the Hygienic Standard for Base Paper for Food Packaging (GB11680-89) sets hygienic limits for lead, arsenic, fluorescent substances, the decolorization test, coliform bacteria and pathogenic bacteria in base paper that comes into direct contact with food. Its supporting analytical method standard is the Method for Analysis of Hygienic Standard for Base Paper for Food Packaging (GB/T5009.78-2003). The outer layer of food packaging is not covered by GB11680-89.

Today, paper cups and paper bowls for instant noodles, milk tea and other foods are generally double-layer film-coated products, such as polyethylene-coated items. The paper portion in direct contact with food must comply with GB11680-89, while the coating material must meet its applicable standard. Outer layers of food packaging containers should not come into direct contact with food, and measures should be taken to prevent fluorescent substances from migrating into food and creating health risks.

Note: Standards in other countries and regions

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists permitted substances for food-contact paper and paperboard in Chapter 176 of Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (21 CFR 176) and does not restrict fluorescent whitening agents. Through the Food Contact Notification (FCN) process, the FDA has also approved a range of substances for paper and paperboard, including fluorescent whitening agents such as FCN 80 and FCN No. 636.

The EU has no dedicated regulation for food packaging paper and generally follows Part 36 of the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) food contact materials rules for food-contact paper. Under BfR 36/2 for baking paper, colorants and fluorescent whitening agents must not be used in baking paper. However, if these substances do not migrate into food, they may be used in the outer paper layer of multi-layer paper and paperboard that does not directly contact food. A European Council directive allows fluorescent whitening agents only in kitchen towels and napkins, with a maximum use level of 0.3%; other food-contact paper products must comply with Germany's BfR rules for food-contact paper.

Japan, Australia, New Zealand and other countries or regions do not have specific regulations for food packaging paper; such products are governed only by general food contact material regulations.

Source note: This article is reposted from China Packaging Network (pack.cn). Original link: http://news.pack.cn/show-362025.html