The Food Packing Forum reports on an article by Nerin et al. on “The challenge of identifying non-intentionally added substances from food packaging materials: A review” published online on February 28, 2013 in the peer-reviewed journal Analytica Chimica Acta. The researchers from the University of Zaragoza, Spain, reviewed the challenges involved in identifying, detecting and assessing non-intentional added substances (NIAS) in food contact materials (FCMs) and in food simulants. As one of the first papers of its kind, the authors deliver detailed descriptions of available analytical tools and their future development. Furthermore, the researchers call for the introduction of regimented and standardized analytic protocols and the enforcement of traceability of FCMs and their components. Both demands are meant to increase FCM safety. The presence of NIAS in synthetic polymeric FCMs presents a challenge because NIAS’ chemical identities often remain unknown and thus it impedes risk assessment. Hence, safety assessments of such remain a challenge.
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