EUROPE – The European Commission has proposed a revised regulation on materials that come into contact with food, including modernisation of rules that state packages should not interact with food.

Should this be introduced it would allow for the introduction of ‘active’ or ‘intelligent’ packaging. Such packs have the potential to prolong shelf life or monitor and display information about the freshness of food.

The proposal will also set up traceability requirements so that materials coming into contact with food are identified at all stages of production and distribution.

David Byrne, the EU Health and Consumer Protection Commissioner, said: “EU legislation has to keep pace with advances in food packaging technology. Active and intelligent packaging should be allowed in Europe, provided it complies with the principles of EU food safety law.”