cumbrian firm launches new film for food

innovia films has launched a polypropylene film that can protect foods from potentially harmful cancercausing oils in paperboard packaging.the wigton firm&rsquos new product &ndash propafilm rcu &ndash provides 1.5 years protection against mineral oil migration.put to the test neil hudson, team leader &ndash chromatography, at innovia films undertaking mineral oil barrier testing at the firm&39s r&ampd facilities in wigton.its research team at wigton developed the product after studies by dr koni grob, of the food control authority of the canton of zurich, switzerland, identified that foods were being contaminated by migration of mineral oil from paperboard packaging.further studies by the uk food standards agency highlighted that safe levels were frequently exceeded in samples tested.traces of mineral oil in food arise due to migration from printing inks on the packaging surface and in recycled newspapers, which are used in the production of packaging.most commonly used newspaper inks contain mineral oils.these cannot be removed entirely during recycling and are thus able to enter food packaging.even at room temperature, these residues can migrate and be deposited on dried foods in the box, such as pasta, rice, breakfast cereals and biscuits.the world health organisation and the united nations&rsquo food and agriculture organisation believe that mineral oils can case cancers.andy sweetman, marketing manager for innovia films, said &ldquoit is exciting to be able to offer the market a costeffective versatile film that ensures proven protection for dried foods.&ldquoit is printable and can be used on a range of machines.&ldquopropafilm rcu is ideal for premade bags and lamination to other films.&rdquopropafilm complements innovia&rsquos natureflex film, which provides up to five years&rsquo protection.mr sweetman added &ldquoit means we have a product to meet a wide range of shelf life requirements.&rdquothe film, besides offering an excellent barrier to mineral oils, has superior optical properties, a low sealing threshold and a broader sealing range.this, innovia says, makes it ideal for use in a variety of markets from biscuits to confectionery, dried foods, tea and cereals.first published at 1100, thursday, 22 january 2015published by httpwww.newsandstar.co.uk&nbsp