Food packaging refers to materials and containers used to contain, protect, preserve, transport, store, or present food.
Food packaging includes bottles, cans, cartons, plastic containers, films, wrappers, pouches, paper and cardboard packages, lids, and other packaging systems. Packaging can protect food from physical damage, contamination, moisture, oxygen, light, and other factors that affect safety and quality.
Packaging may contain several different materials and functional layers, including coatings, adhesives, barriers, and printing components.
Its primary functions include protecting food from contamination and damage, maintaining quality, extending shelf life, and facilitating storage and transportation.
Because packaging can contain multiple materials and chemical substances, food-contact safety assessments may consider potential migration, intended conditions of use, recycled content, coatings, adhesives, printing inks, and other components.
QUICK FACT
Food packaging can be protective and chemically complex at the same time.
SEE ALSO
