food packaging and safety

The packaging material has both to preserve the food and to protect it from deterioration, outside contamination or damage during distribution and storage; and the packaging material in direct contact with a food must not itself harm, or be harmed by, the food. The packaging material for a particular food must therefore be carefully selected with these considerations in mind. Most countries have developed strict controls, based on extensive testing, for the use of "food contact" materials; and these help to ensure that a correct choice is made.