UV/EB Inks - Take a Sigh of Relief

Criminals can steal your information from your e-mails or credit cards, and driving too fast over the speed limit can amount to a nice big fine, and a hearing in front of a judge. But, should people really be worried they are hurting themselves when eating a quick meal?

No, says The RadTech Food Packaging Alliance, a self-funded group that is working toward making sure the use of ultraviolet (UV) and electron beam (EB) materials in food packaging is safe for the consumer. "We use UV/EB inks all the time in food packaging, like in cereal boxes, but always on the outside of the package because there is no migration of the chemicals," said Dr. Ron Golden, chair of the Food Packaging Alliance. "What we are currently working on now is getting FDA approval for the use of these inks with contact to food."