Brasil Pack Trends 2020

BrasilPackTrends2020 214 safety & regulatory issues (partition coefficient) can be predicted and therefore described by mathematical equations. Studies to establish the parameters for estimating the migration of substances from packages to food using mathematical models as an extension of existing models for food simulants have already begun for monolayer materials and should be extended to multilayer structures (FRANZ; SIMONEAU, 2008). The consensus is that mathematical modeling is the only practical way to combine the relevant parameters, including variable composition of foods, the package’s processing conditions and time and temperature of storage in order to get data on the concentration of migrants in foods and obtain with more precision exposure to the consumer. As described, there is no simple method for determining consumer exposure to contaminants from packages. The availability of data needed to estimate this will define the methods that can be used. It is expected that in the near future modifications in the assessment of consumer exposure to contaminants from packages will occur in the European Union. The completion of the projects listed below will help to provide tools for more realistically assessing and managing the risk of substances from packages (OLDRING; CASTLE; FRANZ, 2009). • Creation of databases on the usage pattern of food packaging and on the chemical substances used in different types of packaging materials. • Development of a new classification of food based on the migration behavior for a more realistic estimate of consumer exposure. • Determination of diffusion and partition coefficients, fundamental to describe the process of migration in packaged foods. • Development of mathematical models to estimate the migration of package components to food under actual conditions of use and application of deterministic and probabilistic models to estimate consumer exposure. • Development and validation of the QSAR approach (Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship) acting as a tool for estimating the toxicity of substances based solely on their molecular structure for application mainly on NIAS (Not Intentionally Added Substances) in the package material. The laws of Brazil and MERCOSUR are based on European regulations and, therefore, changes in European regulations may also lead to changes in these laws. However, it should be emphasized that studies of Brazilian consumer exposure to contaminants from the package must be made, as a European study may not necessarily represent what happens in Brazil. 8.2 LEGISLATION AND COMPLIANCE The legislation on materials and packages for food contact in force in Brazil, MERCOSUR, the European Union and the United States states that packaging materials “shall not transfer, under foreseeable conditions of use, undesirable substances, or toxic contaminants that pose a risk to consumer health or which may change the composition of the food or its sensorial characteristics“ (BRAZIL, 2001; EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, 2004). So, based on the principles that the package should be safe and inert, laws have established criteria to be followed concerning materials in contact with food. It is essential that all materials in direct food contact must demonstrate compliance with the requirements of these laws. Declarations of Compliance assuring that materials and packages are in accordance with the laws are essential in providing material and for trade negotiations. Currently, two regulations for food contact at a global level are references for all others: harmonized EU legislation and U.S. law. MERCOSUR and Brazil are not exceptions.