Walki develops MOST extrusion coating to prevent mineral oil contamination of food

Many packaged foods contain mineral oils, which are potentially unsafe for human consumption, according to the supplier, as mineral oil saturated hydrocarbon (MOSH) and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbon (MOAH) are commonly used in industrial inks and can sometimes be found in printing dyes for packaging materials. According to a study, and the Swiss Official Food Control Authority, dry food runs a significant risk of mineral oil contamination originating from recycled fiber-based packaging materials. Although there are currently no EU standards that regulate MOSH and MOAH, many governments are looking into new legislation. In Germany, laws could be introduced as early as 2016 and are likely to pave the way for EU-wide mineral oil regulations.

Walki has developed MOST (mineral oil safe technology) as an efficient extrusion coating that keeps mineral oil away from food, and Mirka Nevala, Walki vice president of business development, said: ‘Mineral oil contains MOAH, which is especially harmful to humans because our systems can’t break it down. It accumulates inside our bodies when we eat food that contains MOAH.’

Walki Pack MOST is a polymer laminate packaging product that provides an effective barrier against mineral oil contamination, in addition to shutting out grease and water. It is glueable, sealable and recyclable. Walki Pack MOST also creates a barrier against other unwelcome substances, such as Benzophenone, Bisphenol A, DIPN and softeners. A further benefit is the prevention of cross contamination from other transport packaging.

Walki Pack MOST has been approved for direct food contact, in accordance with EU directive 10/2011, and the effectiveness has been verified by independent research institutes such as VTT in Finland and Innoform in Germany, as well as by renowned expert Dr Rainer Brandsch from MDCTec Systems.

‘This product will enable the food packing industry to solve the growing issue of contaminated food,’ said Stefan Erdmann, technical service and development manager for Walki’s barrier board products. ‘Food companies and brand owners who adopt mineral oil safe packaging materials are demonstrating their commitment to delivering safer food products to the marketplace.’