AIMPLAS advierte sobre los envases para uso alimentario que no pasan los controles adecuados ante el incremento de las compras navideñas
AIMPLAS Warns About Food Packaging That Fails to Meet Adequate Controls Amidst Increased Christmas Shopping
- It is important to check whether the packaging being purchased is designed and authorised for food use, such as Tupperware or reusable bottles, among others. The Plastics Technology Institute (AIMPLAS) identifies key points for consumers to easily verify if plastic packaging complies with European standards
Online shopping has transformed consumer habits, with Spain being one of the European countries with the highest percentage of buyers on various platforms, reaching its peak during the Christmas season. Therefore, when purchasing packaging through online platforms, it is essential to ensure that it is designed for food use, as some products from countries with less stringent regulations than those in Europe may not meet the standards of the Spanish market.
In fact, some plastic packaging from other countries does not comply with regulations such as Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011, which ensures that polymer materials do not transfer toxic substances or alter food. Joan Borrás, head of the Food Contact and Packaging Laboratory at AIMPLAS, warns that «many of these products do not undergo sufficient controls, exposing consumers to risks such as the migration of harmful substances, the presence of microplastics, or contamination by volatile compounds.»
In this context, a common mistake is using packaging designed for other purposes to store food, without truly considering that these materials do not meet the minimum criteria to ensure food safety. Therefore, it is also important for consumers to take these aspects into account when directly purchasing other packaging intended for food use, such as Tupperware, reusable water bottles, pill boxes, etc., which may have an attractive design but are not suitable for this function.
Five Basic Steps to Identify Safe Food Packaging
The Plastics Technology Institute (AIMPLAS) explains that consumers opting for online purchases of these products should take the necessary precautions by following these simple guidelines:
- Look for the cup and fork pictogram: This symbol does not mean that the item is dishwasher safe, as many people mistakenly believe, but rather ensures that the packaging complies with European standards for food contact, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004.
- Check its traceability: Ensure that the product indicates its compliance with Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011 or provides information about its origin.
- Avoid packaging without clear labels: The absence of information regarding origin, material, or usage instructions is a warning sign.
- Monitor storage conditions: Verify specific pictograms, such as those for refrigeration, to ensure that food is kept under optimal conditions. For example, the microwave symbol suggests that the packaging is suitable for use in this appliance.
- Opt for quality and recognised brands: Always choose products that detail regulatory compliance in their specifications, often investing in quality over price.
Researcher Joan Borrás adds that «many consumers are unaware that unsuitable packaging can release hazardous compounds, especially when exposed to extreme temperatures, such as during microwave heating or freezing.»
Therefore, it is crucial for consumers to pay closer attention to the pictograms on food packaging because «they serve essential functions that directly affect consumers’ health and well-being.» Additionally, they play a fundamental role in sustainability, as symbols like the Möbius loop help promote recycling practices and waste reduction.
Certified Packaging
AIMPLAS conducts tests to certify that packaging complies with European regulations, as well as providing technical advice to companies to develop safer and more sustainable packaging. Furthermore, the Plastics Technology Institute promotes consumer education by providing «innovative solutions that not only protect the consumer but also encourage more responsible consumption, especially during key moments like Christmas,» concludes Borrás.
