Active packaging sachet given EFSA approval

The Scientific Panel on food contact materials, enzymes, flavourings and processing aids (CEF) evaluated the safety of a mixture of sodium erythorbate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, iron sulphate, activated carbon, cellulose, calcium hydroxide, calcium chloride and water.

CEF said that it does not raise a safety concern when used in oxygen absorber/carbon dioxide emitter systems, in sachets that prevent the release of their contents into food.

According to the document from Atmosphère Control, based in France, it is introduced into multilayer sachet made from polyethylene terephtalate (PET)/cellulosic non-woven/polypropylene (PP) material, and heat sealed after filling.

Sachets containing the active mixture, with a weight of active formulation per unit of the sachet surface of 6 g/dm², are introduced in packaging to scavenge oxygen and to produce carbon dioxide.

The active ingredient responsible for oxygen absorbing is sodium erythorbate, which reacts with the oxygen in the primary packaging. The carbon dioxide emitting is done by sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate.

The oxygen absorber/carbon dioxide emitter system is intended to be used in meat products, precooked dishes, delicatessen, cheese, bakery, cakes and pastry products.

• Read the full opinion here ​