Despite being used in such minimal quantities in date coding, QR coding, etc., chemical components from the ink can still transfer to the food even when using inks for coding and marking, and especially so when the inks are printed directly onto the packaging – heightening the risk of ink migration further. Making the appropriate ink selection is integral to support FDA standards and ensuring consumer confidence.
Here in the United States, the use of printing inks in food packaging materials is subject to the laws and regulations administered by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ("the act"), better known as Title 21 of the United States Code. The act requires that these materials be manufactured under good manufacturing practices and that they be safe and suitable for the intended use.
Ink 101 - What determines how easily ink moves through packaging?
What determines how easily an ink is able to migrate through the packaging and come into contact with the product is determined as much by the substrate as it is the ink’s components. The considerations with packaging substrates in the bakery industry specifically are that they are a combination of functional and non-functional barriers.
For example, BOPP (biaxial-oriented polypropylene) films used for bread and biscuits qualify as functional barriers that are effective against water but are incapable of blocking certain ink components, such as mineral oils. Likewise, paper, card, and perforated polypropylene (OPP) are deemed non-functional barriers, as their substrate composition allows ink components to migrate into the food.
How can Domino say we offer the safest inks on the market?
Domino North America, as a commitment to its customers and meeting compliance standards, is an active member of EuPIA, ensuring best practices are maintained and that all of its products follow the guidelines established by the association. In fact, Domino is the first Coding & Marking supplier to apply EuPIA GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) to its products & services to the food packaging industry.
Packaging manufacturers need to be mindful about not only installing the right coding equipment but also seeking advice from coding & marking partners that their inks are fully compliant and compatible with the substrates they are printing on. With Domino, bakery producers can rest assured thanks to our expertise and membership, our inks will remain compliant.
What did you think of this blog post? Have you got a question or comment? For further information about our inks designed for printing within the food sector, contact us today.