ABSTRACT
A growing number of food packaging materials now contain UV-curable inks. The presence of free radicals in these systems results in a chemical diversity of photolytic breakdown products, many of which are low molecular weight chemical species with significant migratory potential. Food contamination may occur during migration. This study will examine the usage of natural rubber latex as a food packaging material. Natural rubber latex is the white sap of the Hevea brasiliensis tree. This sap can be refined and compounded to improve its processing and physical properties. Latex is cis-1,4-polyisoprene. This chapter discusses latex manufacture and global rubber standards for food contact. Rubber latex is not considered a food contact material due to its limitations. This article describes in depth the rubber components used in food contact applications. Because natural rubber latex is biodegradable, anti-degradants are necessary to protect the polymer and material properties. More migrants would reduce the need of various rubbers. Rubber latex contains several components, making it suitable for current commercialization under such climatic (European) conditions. Concerns grew as the usage of packing materials increased. Authorities began to inventory food contamination risks. Consumer protection drives all government actions. So migration of chemicals from packing materials is limited. Many nations have created their own regulatory systems, resulting in diverse methods globally. Some nations acknowledge the safety of a packing material when it meets the established requirements.
