Aluminum and Tinplate for Food-Safe Packaging of Chocolates, Biscuits and Confectionery

Two of the most favored materials for the packaging of chocolates, biscuits and confectionery are aluminum and tinplate. These materials are efficient and safe forms of packaging that meet international safety standards.

Some of these factors deal with food contact substance and other issues related to safe food consumption for the masses. Here's a closer examination on why tinplate and aluminum are commonly used in food packaging.

Food Contact Substance (FCS)

The Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&C) of 1938 defines food contact substance as: any substance intended for use as a component of materials for manufacturing, packing, packaging, transporting or holding food if use of this substance isn't meant for any technical effect in the food. The purpose of these guidelines is to prevent fatal chemical poisoning. The FD&C has been updated several times since its introduction, as new discoveries are continuously made about food safety. Here are further details on what defines FCS:

• a singular substance such as a polymer containing an antioxidant
• what a chemist defines as a pure polymer substance
• well defined composition containing multiple monomers to produce a polymer

Additionally, food contact material (FCM) produced with an FCS and other substances is a mix of various substances that may include polymers containing an antioxidant. A food contact article (FCA) such as a dough hook, film, tray, bottle or other processing tools is the final item that may come in contact with the food formed from the FCM.

GRAS Definition

Under sections 201(s) and 409 of the FD&C, GRAS is defined as "Generally Recognized As Safe." It applies to any substance subject to premarket review and FDA approval intentionally added to food that qualified industry experts consider to be safe due to adequate testing for intended use.

Certain food additives may be covered under GRAS if the substances are considered to be safe by the scientific community and the public has access to this information, but are typically held to a different standard. On the other hand, if the substance is not defined as a food additive with information about it available to consumers, it may not be covered by GRAS.

Tin Packaging Safety

Food vendors began using tinplate for food containers over two centuries ago. In the beginning, however, it often caused food poisoning due to people ingesting significant amounts of metal particles. Physicians began recommending that tinplate be avoided. Over time, however, scientists found ways to improve tinplate to make if safe for using as a food container. Packaging for acidic foods, which degrade tin, now use enamel coating over tinplate containers.

While some metallic elements such as copper or iron are necessary in human diets, tin does not have any dietary value to humans. Medical experts, however, have determined that trace amounts of tin do not pose long-term health risks to humans.

Aluminum Packaging Safety

Like tin, aluminum is nonessential to human consumption but is not dangerous in its modified form for commercial packaging when it comes into contact with food. In its pure form, however, aluminum can pose risks due to corrosion. In order to make pure aluminum safe, it is mixed with copper, zinc, iron, chromium or manganese. Just as with tin used for food packaging, enamel coating is added to aluminum as a safety measure.

Other Tin and Aluminum Considerations

Both tin and aluminum originate from nature and can be found in the earth's crust. Aluminum is the third most abundant element existing in the earth's crust, but also can be found in natural unprocessed foods such as eggs, cucumbers, cabbage, apples and corn. Metals mixed together to form alloys produce stronger long-lasting metals, such as the aluminum used for food packaging. Labels must alert consumers when packaging contains uncoated aluminum.

Tin, while commonly found in the ground, also exists in the air in small amounts due to fossil fuel combustion. Both tin and aluminum can be recycled, which often comes from cans. Tinplating is now still widely used in the EU but is declining in the United States. Inorganic tin can be released in canned acidic foods, such as stewed fruits and cheeses. Resin-based coating helps prevent this release of tin into foodstuffs. To avoid gastric irritation from excessive tin ingestion, consumers should not store food in opened tinplated cans, due to the fact that tinplate degrades when exposed to air.

Conclusion

Both tinplate and aluminum can pose health risks when used in their pure forms, but are perfectly safe for food packaging when processed with other protective materials. Desjardin uses its own FDA and EU approved transparent food varnish for tinplate and aluminum packaging. Additionally, all food ingredients are tested to ensure they don't react with metal packaging.