Coating chemicals

Due to the hazards a class of chemicals popularly used in pizza boxes could pose to public health, FDA has banned their use. Source: Mantrose-Haeuser Co., Inc.

The Food and Drug Administration recently announced the ban of three chemicals it had previously approved for use in food packaging such as pizza boxes. The ruling states the class of chemicals known as polyperfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) can no longer be used as oil and water repellants in paper and paperboard that come in contact with “aqueous and fatty foods.” This action was in response to a petition by the Natural Resources Defense Council and other industry groups that cited studies showing some PFASs remain in the human body for years and may lead to the increased risk of cancer and other health issues.

However, alternatives to the newly banned substances are available. For example, Mantrose-Haeuser Co., Inc. offers VerdeCoat custom-formulated, water-based biopolymer barrier coatings that comply with FDA 21 CFR Parts 176.170 and 176.180. The patent-pending technology provides a barrier to oil and grease, water resistance and a low moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) on paper and paperboard food packaging.

The coatings are microwavable for reheating foods and ovenable for cooking baked goods. VerdeCoat coatings have been successfully tested under the ASTM 6868 and EN13432 protocols for BPI and Vincotte certification.

Since they are made from renewable, sustainable resources, the coatings are biodegradable, compostable, eco-friendly alternatives to petroleum-based products. Additionally, they can be easily applied using conventional spray systems.

For more information:

Jeff Corbett, Mantrose-Haeuser Co., Inc., 203-454-1800,
jeff.corbett@mantrose.com, www.mantrose.com.

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Debra Schug was Editor-in-Chief of Food Engineering. She began her media career over a decade ago writing and producing broadcast news for both television and radio at the local and national level. She spent many years as the managing editor for two trade magazines in the oil industry and the research editor for an annual petroleum report. She has a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from Iowa State University.