Packaged food products have become abundant in recent times. Gradually but steadily, the population of India is starting to shift to packaged foods as they are easily available and convenient. Additionally, packaged foods have a good shelf life, and the buyers find it convenient to buy and store packaged foods easily. The dependence on packaged foods is driven by the demand from the working class population owing to its busy schedules.
As much convenience and cost-effectiveness packaged food products provide to the buyers, there are many reasons to reconsider absolute dependence on them. A majority of packaged foods are usually packed in plastic materials, which are harmful if leached into the food products. It is important for manufacturers to subject their packaging and food contact materials to migration testing. Migration testing ensures that the food packaging and contact materials are not leached into the food products. Migration testing allows manufacturers to know if their packaging and food contact materials are safe for food products.
Food manufacturers use different materials to pack their food products. While care is taken to ensure that the packaging materials are of superior quality, it is important to know different kinds of packaging materials and their harmful effects:
Plastic packaging is widely used due to its cost-effectiveness and versatility. However, certain types of plastics contain harmful chemicals such as bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalates. These chemicals can leach into the food and may lead to various health issues, including hormone disruption and potential carcinogenic effects. Additionally, plastic waste is a major environmental concern, contributing to pollution and posing a threat to marine life.
Styrofoam is often used for take-out containers and disposable food packaging. It is non-biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to decompose, leading to environmental pollution. Further, Styrofoam can release toxic substances that can contaminate the food when heated.
Aluminium is used for packaging certain food products like beverages, canned foods and ready-to-eat meals. Aluminium exposure has been linked to neurotoxicity and excessive intake may be harmful to the brain and nervous system.
Cardboard and paper packaging are generally considered safe for food products, especially when coated with food-grade materials. However, certain inks, dyes or coatings used on paper packaging may contain harmful chemicals, and improper disposal of paper waste can contribute to environmental pollution.
Glass packaging is considered one of the safest options for food products, as it does not leach harmful chemicals into the food. However, glass is heavy and can be more expensive than other materials, thereby leading to higher transportation costs and potential energy consumption.
Tetra Pak is a popular choice for packaging dairy products, juices and other liquid foods. It is a composite material comprising paper, aluminium and plastic layers. While it is considered safe for food, the multi-layered composition makes recycling more challenging, and improper disposal can have negative environmental impacts.
Some manufacturers are shifting towards biodegradable and compostable materials made from plant-based sources. While these materials are less harmful to the environment compared to traditional plastics, the full extent of their environmental impact depends on how they are managed after use. For instance, if not properly composted, they may still contribute to pollution.
It is essential for the food industry and consumers to be aware of the potential harmful effects of different packaging materials and make informed choices to minimize health risks and environmental impacts. Government regulations and consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging can drive the industry towards adopting safer and more sustainable packaging practices.?
Although the food industry ensures steps to make food products safer, it is always advisable to plan meals in advance and eat freshly cooked food. Dependency on packaged foods might lead to health issues as such products contain high amounts of preservatives to extend their shelf life.
About the author: Ashwin Bhadri is the Founder and CEO of Equinox Labs. All views/opinions expressed in the article are of the author.?