Antimicrobial food contact materials and the regulatory requirements

摘要

Anti-microbial agents may be added to plastic articles and packaging materials with the intention to preserve the surface of the material and thus preventing contamination of the food in contact with the material. In the food production area typical examples are conveyor belts and chopping boards, but also plastic films, bowls or gloves may contain anti-microbial agents. EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) has drafted requirements for testing anti-microbial active materials. Major issues are the efficacy of the material against micro-organisms and the absence of any effect on the micro-flora of the food in contact with those materials. Anti-microbial agents are not yet regulated in EU directives on plastics, but is to be expected in due time. Restriction of the use of anti-microbial materials may be considered, which would result into more testing by manufacturers and enforcement authorities. It can be questioned whether this would improve consumer protection, provided the toxicological acceptable migration is not exceeded.