Brasil Pack Trends 2020

BrasilPackTrends2020 210 safety & regulatory issues can be evaluated and their risk known and controlled. Laws based on risk and consumer exposure to these substances were and are designed to control chemical and toxicological contamination of packages and protect the health of consumers. The physical and microbiological contamination is mainly related to the processing, handling and storage and must be controlled by process safety management systems and quality certifications. Sophisticated analytical techniques and mathematical modeling with parameters closest to real situations are applied to estimate the migration of package components to food. Moreover studies are conducted to assess consumer exposure to these migrants to address the lack of more realistic data (OLDRING, 2010). The laws for package materials for food contact are designed to ensure consumer safety through control of chemical contamination due to the migration of package components to the product. They are constantly evolving to incorporate new substances and new technologies such as active packaging, post-consumer recycled materials and nanomaterials, and are revised to incorporate new interpretations based on scientific and technological knowledge. All materials for direct food contact must demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the laws. Declarations of Compliance are required in order to transfer information and to formalize the responsibility of the package material manufacturer and ensure the correct use of package in the conditions set out. The laws vary among countries and efforts for harmonization, implementation and mutual recognition are expected by importers and exporters of food and food packaging in world trade. Process Safety Management Systems are efficient mechanisms to bring about transparency and continuous improvement of package manufacturing processes and include : • GMP - Good Manufacturing Practice and application and validation of HACCP - Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points. • Certifications of quality systems based on international standards - BRCIoP, FSSC 22000 (ISO 22000 and PAS 223), ISO 22000, IFS PACSecure, among other standards and systems. Organizations and associations work to harmonize standards and regulations related to food safety, benefiting international trade and food quality (MERMELSTEIN, 2012). The traceability of package materials, whether automated or not, is a requirement of some laws and it is becoming increasingly necessary for safety and identification of the origin of packaged products. In this context, RFID will offer significant opportunities for manufacturers, retailers and consumers. Table 8.1 shows the trends highlighted in the development of the megatrend Safety and Regulatory Issues along with possible packaging contributions. 8.1 RELIABILITY AND SAFETY Several factors are driving changes in the food industry with regard to their safety. Many factors are forcing the industry to improve its manufacturing processes, suppliers of raw materials and human resources (PACKAGING WORLD, 2012). Among them are: • Dependence on a global supply chain. • Development of science in the diagnosis of food related diseases. • Development of analytical equipment and techniques that allow the detection of substances in smaller amounts and even substances which have never before been detected. • Consumers who expect quality food at low cost and with zero risk. • Influence of the traditional and social media on food issues. • New requirements from regulations and laws.