UV/EB inks seem to do it all, but will they ever become FDA-approved for direct food packaging?

By Missy Smith

The UV and EB inks in the market now are completely suitable for this application, outside a functional barrier. To be fair, there are some applications for some UV products, particularly UV adhesives that could be in direct food contact and a consolidated Food Contact Notification could be a great help there. And, some printers and packaging companies would feel more comfortable with a product that they knew to be acceptable for direct food contact, even though they have no intention of printing UV/EB on the inside of packaging. Also, there are some paperboard fiber recyclers that would be happier with their feedstock using inks known to be suitable for direct food contact.