According to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), a food additive such as food safe inks, are defined as “…any substance the intended use of which results or may reasonably be expected to result, directly or indirectly, in its becoming a component of, or otherwise affecting the characteristic of any food including any substance intended for use in…packing…packaging…or holding food….”
As we can see from this definition, under many circumstances printing inks and coatings that come into contact with food are considered food additives, and because of this are subject to premarket clearance by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
So, how does the FDA ensure that the inks used on a wide variety of food packaging items such as printed deli paper, aren’t leeching toxic chemicals into your food? Basically, a manufacturer or supplier of a food contact substance (FCS) can submit a notification to the FDA containing scientific evidence supporting the fact that their particular substance is safe for its intended use – usually as part of food packaging. Then, if the FDA does not issue a written objection, the supplier can begin marketing their substance.
This means the ink used on printed deli paper or printed paper bags, contains additives that the FDA has deemed safe.
Morgan Chaney only uses food safe inks from suppliers who have undergone an FDA approval process. That way our customers can be sure that any of their food packaging orders – be it custom restaurant packaging or printed deli paper – are non-toxic and safe for consumers. Call 866-637-2270 or contact our packaging specialists online to get started on your custom order.