Identification of additives in food packaging
A book entitled "Spectra for the identification of additives in food packaging" has recently been published, with support from the European Commission under the Standards, Measurement and Testing (SMT) research programme. The book serves as a reference collection and a handbook of analytical data of 100 additives used in plastics for food contact. The book can be seen as a companion to the 1993 publication, "Spectra for the identification of monomers in food packaging". It provides practical information for industrial and state control laboratories and others concerned with ensuring compliance with Directive 90/128/EEC relating to plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with foodstuffs. The new handbook begins with a chapter describing the legal framework and the implementation of related European legislation. It also provides a brief description of the Dutch fast method for ensuring compliance with the legislation. Other chapters in the book are devoted to a collection of spectra for the identification of one hundred of the most important additives used in plastic packaging and coatings. The 100 additives covered in the book were selected after extensive consultation with researchers in the field and with representatives of European industry. For every additive, information is provided on the structural formula, CAS and PM number and physical characteristics, and the food contact uses of the derived plastic materials. There is also a brief description of the analytical approach for testing compliance with SML and QM limits and reference to relevant literature, including European research projects.