Food Containers Research Articles

Bisphenol A release from food and beverage containers - A review.

Dietary exposure was introduced as the primary way Bisphenol A (BPA) enters the human body. Although significant efforts have been made to analyze BPA's presence in different foodstuffs, less attention has been given to introducing the conditions that facilitate BPA release. This review aimed to mention possible factors affecting BPA release into foods and beverages. According to the results, the critical factors in BPA release are temperature, manufacturing process, food and packaging type, pH, mineral elements, repeated use, irradiation, washing, contact time, and using detergents. It showed that using PC containers, high temperature and pH, storage under solar irradiation, alkaline detergents, water hardness, and repeated use could increase the BPA release from containers into foodstuff. During various conditions, hydrolysis of the carbonate linkage and d-spacing will increase. Considering these parameters and limiting the use of PC containers, the potential risk of BPA exposure could be eliminated.

Sources, distribution, and incipient threats of polymeric microplastic released from food storage plastic materials.

The present study aimed to find out the source, distribution, quantity, and incipient threats of the microplastics (MPs) released by food-packing plastic materials, plastic bags, bottles, and containers on human health, biodiversity, water bodies, and atmosphere. For this purpose, 152 articles about MPs (0.1 to 5000µm) and nanoplastics (NP) 1 to 100nm) were reviewed and interpreted their results in the present articles about microplastics. The highest plastic waste is generated by China (⁓59 Mt), the USA (⁓38 Mt), Brazil (⁓12 Mt), Germany (⁓15 Mt), and Pakistan (⁓6 Mt). The count of MPs (MPs/kg) in Chinese salt was 718, UK 136, Iran 48, and USA 32, while MPs in bivalves, i.e., in Chinese bivalves was 2.93, UK 2.9, Iran 2.2, and Italy 7.2 in MPs/kg, respectively. The MPs count in Chinese fish was 7.3, Italy's 23, the USA's 13, and UK's 1.25 in MPs/kg, respectively. The MP concentrations in the water bodies, i.e., USA, were 15.2, Italy 7, and UK 4.4 in mg/L, respectively. It was critically reviewed that MPs can enter the human body causing various disorders (neurotoxic, biotoxic, mutagenic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic disorders) because of the presence of various polymers. The present study concluded that MPs were released from processed and stored food containers, either through physical, biological, or chemical means, which harshly affect the surrounding environment and human health. The study recommended that alternatives to plastic containers are glass and bioplastic containers, papers, cotton bags, wooden boxes, and tree leaves need to use to avoid direct consumption of MPs from food.

Smartphone‐Assisted Electrochemical Sensor Based on Mg0.5Co2.5(PO4)2 and Carbon Black for Trace Bisphenol A Detection

AbstractBisphenol A (BPA) widely recognized as an endocrine disruptor can induce serious threats to human health such as sexual anomalies and cancer. Unfortunately, BPA has been increasingly used since 1950s; specifically during the manufacturing of polycarbonates and plastics such as food containers and water bottles. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop low‐cost, simple, portable and sensitive sensors for in‐situ detection of this contaminant in food and water. The combination of nanostructured carbon materials and metal/metal oxide nanoparticles can result in materials with unique physicochemical properties as well as excellent catalytic behaviors. Herein, we propose a smartphone‐assisted electrochemical sensor based on the combination of Mg0.5Co2.5(PO4)2 and carbon black (CB) modified screen‐printed electrode (SPE) for a rapid and sensitive determination of BPA. Structural characterization confirmed the formation of Mg0.5Co2.5(PO4)2/CB nanocomposite on SPE surface. Very low oxidation potential of BPA was observed during the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) experiments at 0.16 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The sensor revealed two‐step linear response from 0.5–6.5 μm and from 16.5–100 μm with a lower limit of detection (LOD) of 0.15 μm. A good reproducibility, excellent stability, and high interference‐free ability were obtained. Furthermore, the developed sensor showed satisfactory recoveries for BPA detection in real water samples.

Analysis of PFAS in Locally Acquired Food Containers

The measurement of intestinal permeability is important for diagnoses of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as Crohn’s disease. The gold standard for measurement of intestinal permeability is the dual sugar absorption test, which measures the urinary or blood concentrations of two orally administered sugars, a monosaccharide and a disaccharide, over a period of time. The lining of the small intestine allows monosaccharides to cross into the bloodstream, but the larger disaccharide is not permitted to cross the intestine unless the barrier is compromised. The permeability of the lining is measured by a ratio between select monosaccharides and disaccharides, and this indicates the overall status of the small intestine. In order to study the effects of resistance exercise on intestinal permeability in human subjects, we developed a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method for the analysis of saccharides in blood plasma. The analytes included rhamnose, a monosaccharide not commonly found in food, and lactulose, a disaccharide. A trisaccharide, raffinose, was used as an internal standard. The method was robust, and had consistent reliability.

Quantitative analysis of polystyrene microplastic and styrene monomer released from plastic food containers

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, the use of disposable plastics has rapidly increased along with the amount of plastic waste. During fragmentation, microplastics and other chemical substances contained in plastics are released. These then enter humans through food which could be problematic considering their hazardous potential. Polystyrene (PS), which is widely used in disposable containers, releases large amounts of microplastics (MPs), but no studies have investigated the release mechanisms of PS-MPs and simultaneously exposed contaminants. Therefore, in this study, the effects of pH (3, 5, 7, and 9), temperature (20, 50, 80, and 100 °C), and exposure time (2, 4, 6, and 8 h) on MPs release were systematically examined. A quantitative/qualitative study of MPs and styrene monomers was performed using microscopy-equipped Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The release of PS-MPs (36 items/container) and simultaneously exposed pollutants (SEP), such as ethylene glycol monooleate (EGM), was highest at pH 9, 100 °C, and 6 h, which was proportional to the test temperature and time. Under the same conditions, 2.58 μg/L of styrene monomer migrated to the liquid food simulants. The fragmentation was proceeded by oxidation/hydrolysis and accelerated by increased temperature and exposure time. The strong positive correlation between PS-MPs and SEPs releases at pH and temperature indicates that PS-MPs and SEPs follow the same release process. However, a strongly negative correlation between PS-MPs and styrene monomers at the exposed time shows that styrene migration does not follow the same release process, but does its partition coefficient.

Progress in design and processing of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs): Home compostable poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co—3‐hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx)/polybutylene succinate‐co‐adipate (PBSA) blend

AbstractPolyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are biodegradable linear polyesters mainly produced by bacterial fermentation. These materials are biocompatible, non‐toxic, and have a low environmental impact, making them an excellent alternative to fossil‐based plastics in food packaging. Despite their promising characteristics, PHAs have several disadvantages, such as brittleness, slow nucleation process, thermal instability and consequently poor processability. In this article, poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hexanoate) (PHBHx), a copolymer belonging to the class of PHAs, was blended with polybutylene succinate‐co‐adipate (PBSA) and other process additives in order to improve its properties and realize a hot food container compostable in a domestic environment. The material in the pellet form was produced by reactive extrusion with a corotating twin‐screw extruder. The compound was then processed by cast extrusion and the resulting film was thermoformed into a rectangular container. All the semi‐finished products were characterized thermo‐mechanically and with chemical–physical tests, demonstrating good processability, thermal resistance of 100°C, complete impermeability to oxygen, transmission of light radiation less than 30% and high toughness (<5 kJ/m2). In addition, the morphology of the blende was also investigated by SEM and XRD analysis.

A Prototype Platform for Automated Chicken Feeding Control with an Embedded System

In this paper present a prototype platform for automated chicken feeding control with an embedded system. This prototype is an automated real-time chicken feeding mixing system that will help chicken farmers become more automated, which will be highly beneficial for the expansion of the chicken poultry farm in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand. This machine may take the role of a person in the chicken-feeding process, solving the farm's labor shortage. The apparatus for feeding chickens makes use of an Arduino Uno board as the heart of an embedded system controller. The two major components of this device are an Arduino that controls the servomotor opening for the food container and another Arduino that controls the servomotor opening for the food ingredients in a mixed food container. The prototype platform will have an alarm when the food ingredients are at the minimum quantity. This also helps the chickens get the amount of food and nutrients that are appropriate for their age while reducing labour costs, saving food, and controlling chicken feeding on time.

Trash to Cash: The Effort to Turn Sticks from Palm Tree Waste into Creative Products in Pondok Pabrik Village

In order to enhance skills that may be utilized to support the family economy, community service projects are being implemented through training in the production of decorative brooms and food containers out of sticks obtained from palm tree waste. The method's stages include observation, discussion, demonstration, and hands-on practice, which are carried out by planning, carrying out, and evaluating. The results of this activity are expected to improve the participants' knowledge, comprehension, and creativity, therefore creating business opportunities as well as achieving economic independence.

In vivo mutagenicity assessment of styrene in MutaMouse liver and lung

BackgroundStyrene (CAS 100-42-5) is widely used as polystyrene and acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene resin such as plastic, rubber, and paint. One of the primary uses of styrene is food utensils and containers, but a small amount of styrene transferred into food can be ingested by eating. Styrene is metabolized into styrene 7,8-oxide (SO). SO is mutagenic in bacteria and mouse lymphoma assays. It is clastogenic in cultured mammalian cells. However, styrene and SO are not clastogenic/aneugenic in rodents, and no rodent in vivo gene mutation studies were identified.MethodsTo investigate the mutagenicity of orally administered styrene, we used the transgenic rodent gene mutation assay to perform an in vivo mutagenicity test (OECD TG488). The transgenic MutaMouse was given styrene orally at doses of 0 (corn oil; negative control), 75, 150, and 300 mg/kg/day for 28 days, and mutant frequencies (MFs) were determined using the lacZ assay in the liver and lung (five male mice/group).ResultsThere were no significant differences in the MFs of the liver and lung up to 300 mg/kg/day (close to maximum tolerable dose (MTD)), when one animal with extremely high MFs that were attributed to an incidental clonal mutation was omitted. Positive and negative controls produced the expected results.ConclusionsThese findings show that styrene is not mutagenic in the liver and lung of MutaMouse under this experimental condition.

Risk assessment of silver and microplastics release from antibacterial food containers under conventional use and microwave heating

The evaluation of the migration of ionic silver and nanoparticulated silver (AgNPs) from antimicrobial plastic packaging to food is crucial to ensure its safety. Migration assays were performed on reusable silver-containing polypropylene (PP) food containers and a silicone baby bottle, using food simulants, under conventional or microwave heating and repeated use. The PP containers released significant amounts of silver, increasing with temperature, contact time, acidity and lower crystallinity. Silver migration in the silicone bottle was much lower. Risk assessment of released silver was done considering European authorities safety recommendations, with some containers far exceeding these levels. No significant AgNPs release was detected in the simulants by single particle-ICPMS. Silver-containing microplastics and silicone microparticles were detected by SEM in the food simulants after the migration assays. Consumers may be continuously exposed to the harmful effects of ionic silver and microplastics, which can potentially lead to health issues.

COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE) contamination in coastal areas of Granada, Spain

The use of disposable personal protective equipment (PPE) as a control measure to avoid transmission against COVID-19 has generated a challenge to the waste management and enhances plastic pollution in the environment. The research aims to monitor the presence of PPE waste and other plastic debris, in a time interval where the use of face mask at specific places was still mandatory, on the coastal areas of Granada (Spain) which belongs to the Mediterranean Sea. Four beaches called La Rijana, La Charca, La Rábita and Calahonda were examined during different periods. The total amount of sampled waste was 17,558 plastic units. The abundance, characteristics and distribution of PPE and other plastic debris were determined. Results showed that the observed amount of total plastic debris were between 2.531·10−2 and 24.487·10−2 units per square meter, and up to 0.136·10−2 for PPE debris, where face masks represented the 92.22 % of the total PPE debris, being these results comparable to previous studies in other coastal areas in the world. On the other hand, total plastic debris densities were in the range from 2.457·10−2 to 92.219·10−2 g/m2 and densities were up to 0.732·10−2 for PPE debris. PPE debris supposed 0.79 % of the weight of total waste and the 0.51 % of total items. Concerning non-PPE plastic waste: cigarettes filters, food containers and styrofoam were the most abundant items (42.95, 10.19 and 16.37 % of total items, respectively). During vacation periods, total plastic debris amount increased 92.19 % compared to non-vacation periods. Regarding type of beaches, the presence of plastic debris was significantly higher on touristic/recreational than in fishing beaches. Data showed no significant differences between accessible and no-accessible beaches, but between periods with restrictive policy about mask face use and periods with non-restrictive policy data suggest significant differences between densities (g/m2) for PPE litter. The amount of PPEs debris is also correlated with the number of cigarettes filters (Person's r = 0.650), food containers (r = 0.782) and other debris (r = 0.63). Finally, although interesting results were provided in this study, further research is required to better understand the consequences of this type of pollution and to provide viable solutions to this problem.

Green packaging materials design and efficient packaging with Internet of Things

In our symbiotic society, managing waste in a sustainable manner presents a challenge. Green packaging design must follow the principles of sustainability, that is, reducing the consumption of packaging materials, refilling packaging containers, recycling and recycling packaging materials, and degrading packaging materials, but how to implement its basic ideas into conventional product design and development In order to form a practical overall pattern of the green packaging design process, it is the key to the universal acceptance and application of green packaging design. The goal of this study is to create a long-term solution for disposing of single-use food packaging waste. The Internet of Thing (IoT) technologies and alternative management techniques for throwaway food containers are the designed model for the suggested solution. The key to running cold chain logistics in a sustainable and low-carbon manner is proper optimization modeling, which also provides the required groundwork for creation of a data-driven modeling system. The final efficiency of the packaging throughout circulation is crucial for achieving constant loss minimization and efficient supply, as effective packaging is required for loss control. Therefore, it is crucial to figure out how to make use of these continually collected data and ways to develop a extra precise packing efficiency control mechanism in the cold chain for agri-products. By concentrating on the idea of data-driven assessment modeling as well as the dynamic creation mechanism of complete packaging efficiency, researchers continuously monitored the viability of this topic. The assessment of efficiency index system and approach for data-driven assessment described were evaluated using the packaging efficiency of cold chain for table grapes as an instance. The solution encourages the creation of regional socio-economic ecosystems for a circular economy.

Influence of ambient temperature on reproduction ofthe red-headed cricket (Gryllus assimilis)

Red-headed crickets were kept in glass insectariums equipped with drinkers, food containers and peat boxes for laying eggs. In the first stage of the experiment, the insects were divided into three groups, kept at 20°C, 25°C and 29°C, respectively. Three days after placing the crickets in the insectariums, the eggs were counted. In the second stage, the eggs (15 pcs.) were placed in boxes with peat in insectariums and exposed to the same temperatures as the females were kept at 20°C, 25°C and 29°C respectively, and the time in which the larvae hatch in each container was observed.It was found that the thermal conditions of the environment influence the number of eggs laid by female Gryllus assimilis and the length of the embryonic period in red-headed crickets. It is estimated that in the temperature range of 20–29°C, increasing the temperature by 1°C shortens the time needed to hatch the larvae from the eggs by 2 days.

Analysis of N-nitrosamines and N-nitrosatable substances from baby bottle rubber teats by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

A simple and sensitive method based on liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-APCI-MS/MS) was developed and validated to determine the levels of 13N-nitrosamines and N-nitrosatable substances migrated from rubber teats into artificial saliva. The migration test from rubber teats was conducted at 40 °C and for 24 h in artificial saliva, and the migrated artificial saliva solution was analysed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) without further extracting steps. The sensitivity of N-nitrosamines was examined by applying atmospheric chemical ionisation and electrospray ionisation to optimise the mass spectrometric conditions, and the atmospheric chemical ionisation (APCI) mode exhibited 1.6–19 times higher sensitivity. Method validation showed acceptable linearity, precision, and accuracy, and the detection and quantification limits were 0.07–0.35 and 0.24–1.1 μg kg−1, respectively. The developed liquid chromatography-atmospheric chemical ionisation-tandem mass spectrometry method was applied to 39 domestic and imported rubber teats. From 39 samples, N-nitrosamines [N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), N-nitrosomorpholine (NMOR), and N-nitroso n-methyl N-phenylamine (NMPhA)] were detected in 30 samples, with N-nitrosatable substances in 17 samples give rise to NDMA, NMOR, and N-nitrosodiethylamine. However, the levels were below the specific migration limit of Korean Standards and Specifications for Food Containers, Utensils, and Packages and EC Directive 93/11/EEC.

Human health risk assessment from exposure to multiple sources of Hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) in Taiwan

Hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) are endocrine-disrupting and persistent organic compounds commonly used in consumer products such as styrofoam, fire-resistant curtains, construction, aquaculture products, and food containers. Humans can expose to HBCD via dermal, ingestion, and inhalation routes; however, the inhalation exposure to HBCDs is not well characterized, especially for the size-segregated particles, which could quickly deposit into the respiratory system. In this study, we systematically characterized the dermal and inhalation exposures and performed an aggregate risk assessment of HBCDs in Taiwan. Sampling sites were selected considering the traffic or industrial contribution for air (n = 2, Sanchung, and Taichung) and soil sampling (n = 19, near the industrial zones). The quantitative analysis of HBCDs in extracted samples was achieved using LC–MS/MS. Our results showed that the concentrations of total HBCDs ranged from 0.1 to 6.6 pg m−3 in the particulate matter samples and 0.63 to 187 μg kg−1 in soil samples, where γ-HBCD was the dominant species, followed by α-HBCD and β-HBCD. The total HBCDs in the finest particles (i.e., particle size below 0.49 μm) ranged from N.D. to 1.5 pg m−3. However, no consistent trend was observed for the isomer distribution of HBCDs among air samples. Furthermore, the margin of exposure was the lowest through the ingestion pathway (5152 to 22555) and the highest through the inhalation pathway (6.71 × 105 to 2.09 × 107), showing that HBCD-induced health risk can predominantly attribute to ingestion exposure. Nevertheless, the traffic and industrial contribution of inhalable HBCD deserves further studies.

Long-term exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, diisononyl phthalate, and a mixture of phthalates alters estrous cyclicity and/or impairs gestational index and birth rate in mice.

Phthalates are found in plastic food containers, medical plastics, and personal care products. However, the effects of long-term phthalate exposure on female reproduction are unknown. Thus, this study investigated the effects of long-term, dietary phthalate exposure on estrous cyclicity and fertility in female mice. Adult female CD-1 mice were fed chow containing vehicle control (corn oil) or 0.15-1500 ppm of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), diisononyl phthalate (DiNP), or a mixture of phthalates (Mix) containing DEHP, DiNP, benzyl butyl phthalate, di-n-butyl phthalate, diisobutyl phthalate, and diethyl phthalate. Measurements of urinary phthalate metabolites confirmed effective delivery of phthalates. Phthalate consumption for 11 months did not affect body weight compared to control. DEHP exposure at 0.15 ppm for 3 and 5 months increased the time that the mice spent in estrus and decreased the time the mice spent in metestrus/diestrus compared to control. DiNP exposure (0.15-1500 ppm) did not significantly affect time in estrus or metestrus/diestrus compared to control. Mix exposure at 0.15 and 1500 ppm for 3 months decreased the time the mice spent in metestrus/diestrus and increased the time the mice spent in estrus compared to control. DEHP (0.15-1500 ppm) or Mix (0.15-1500 ppm) exposure did not affect fertility-related indices compared to control. However, long-term DiNP exposure at 1500 ppm significantly reduced gestational index and birth rate compared to control. These data indicate that chronic dietary exposure to phthalates alters estrous cyclicity, and long-term exposure to DiNP reduces gestational index and birth rate in mice.

Heavy metal risk of disposable food containers on human health

The consumption of disposable materials is booming with the rapid development of urbanization and industrialization, which may inevitably cause the release of toxic and harmful substances during use of them in daily life. This study was to estimate element levels such as Beryllium (Be), Vanadium (V), Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Cobalt (Co), Antimony (Sb), Barium (Ba), Lead (Pb), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), and Selenium (Se) in leachate and subsequently assess the health risk of exposure to those disposable products such as paper and plastic food containers. We found that a large amount of metals was released from disposable food containers in hot water, and the order of metal concentration is Zn > Ba > Fe > Mn > Ni > Cu > Sb > Cr > Se > Be > Pb > Co > V > Cd. Additionally, the hazard quotient (HQ) of metals in young adults were less than 1, and were decreased in the order of Sb > Fe > Cu > Be > Ni > Cr > Pb > Zn > Se > Cd > Ba > Mn > V > Co. Furthermore, the excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) results of Ni and Be indicated that chronic exposure to Ni and Be may have a non-negligible carcinogenic risk. These findings suggest that potential health risk of metals may exist for the individuals to use disposable food containers under high temperature environment.

Long term trends in floating plastic pollution within a marine protected area identifies threats for Endangered northern bottlenose whales

“The Gully”, situated off Nova Scotia, Canada, is the largest submarine canyon in the western North Atlantic. This unique oceanographic feature, which became a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in 2004, is rich in marine biodiversity and is part of the critical habitat of Endangered northern bottlenose whales (Hyperoodon ampullatus). To understand the potential impact of plastic pollution in the MPA and on this Endangered cetacean, we evaluated trends over time in the abundance and composition of plastics and compared these to the stomach contents of recently stranded northern bottlenose whales. From the 1990s–2010s, the median abundance of micro-sized (<5 mm) and small plastics (5 mm–2.5 cm) increased significantly, while the median abundance of large plastics (>2.5 cm) decreased significantly. Plastic abundance from the 2010s for micro-sized and small plastics varied from 5586–438 196 particles km−2, higher than previously measured estimates for surrounding offshore areas. Polymers identified using FTIR spectroscopy included polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate polyester, nylon, alkyds (paint), and natural and semi-synthetic cellulosic fibers. The abundance of large debris ranged from 0 to 108.6 items km−2 and consisted of plastic sheets and bags, food wrappers and containers, rope, fishing buoys, and small plastic fragments. Whale stomach contents contained fragments of fishing nets, ropes, bottle caps, cups, food wrappers, smaller plastic fragments, fibers, and paint flakes, consistent with the composition and character of items collected from their critical habitat. Despite being far from centres of human population, the unique oceanographic features of The Gully (i.e. currents and bathymetric complexity) may concentrate plastic debris, increasing exposure rates of whales to plastic pollution. The increase in micro-sized and small plastics over time suggests associated health and welfare impacts of ingested plastics should be accounted for in future recovery plans for this Endangered species.

Trends in Polyester Upcycling for Diversifying a Problematic Waste Stream

We are facing a rapidly growing plastic pollution crisis, which is adversely affecting communities and ecosystems across the globe. Polymer scientists have an urgent obligation to develop and implement strategies for reutilizing plastic waste streams instead of continually relying on virgin feedstocks in plastic manufacturing. Postconsumer and postindustrial plastic items should be treated as valuable resources instead of discarding them. In order to do this, technological outlets must be developed to produce renewed materials using plastic waste as an input. Polyesters represent one of the largest plastic waste streams because they are commonly used in single-use beverage and food containers as well as textiles. Polyesters are also ideal candidates to exploit through chemical diversification, owing to the wide variety of functional derivatives that can be synthetically accessed via ester reactivity. This work highlights some recent developments related to diversifying polyester waste, with a focus on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) as waste stream. The strategies encompass the production of both valuable small molecules prepared via degradation of PET and high-performance polymeric scaffolds derived from reactions with PET. Taking the recent ingenuity into consideration, based on these technological developments, an outlook is provided for the future of polyester waste streams. What are the next steps that are needed? Where are these trends headed? What gaps still exist, particularly with respect to assessment of sustainability and life cycle analysis? Collectively considering the examples highlighted here, there is great promise in the field of reutilizing waste streams as feedstocks for value-added materials.

Business Actors Liability to Consumers of Beverages and Food Containing Liquid Nitrogen

Technological advances that are developing at this time do not only occur in telecommunication equipment and transportation equipment, but also develop in the food and beverage sector. Where in the near future, food and drinks that can emit smoke have been circulating . Foods and drinks that emit smoke contain liquid nitrogen. However, it is very unfortunate that these food and beverage trends have not been accompanied by the knowledge of business actors and consumers whether these nitrogen-containing foods and beverages are safe for consumption or not. Based on the description of the background above, several problem formulations can be drawn as follows: What are the criteria for drinks and food containing liquid nitrogen consumed by consumers according to the Law on Food Safety and Food Standards? And what is the liability of business actors towards consumers who drink and food containing liquid nitrogen? The type of legal research used in this research is normative juridical (normative legal research method). Liquid nitrogen in food can actually be used as an auxiliary substance. However, if used without adhering to food safety standards, it may cause harm to consumers. This is in accordance with the regulations of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM RI) Number 20 of 2020, liquid nitrogen is used as a processing aid, not a food additive. Liquid nitrogen is used to speed up the process of freezing a product by lowering the very low temperature to minus -200, much lower when using a freezer (around -20 to -40 ) so that liquid nitrogen is very easy to freeze food. If the production process is complete, nitrogen should be removed as much as possible from a product, no residue left. Liability on a contractual basis and unlawful acts in BW, product liability in consumer law is regulated in Article 19 of the UUPK with the burden of proof reversed. The business actor accountability forum is subject to general civil proceedings with the exception of relative competency at the consumer's place of domicile, while compensation in this context is not only in the form of returning goods and demands for reductions or price discounts as in the contractual, or limited to compensation for economic losses as an unlawful act, but also includes compensation for actual damages.