4 replies to this topic

[mikeq]

I was curious about recalls.  I work in a packaging company.  We only make boxes and will make a food contact paperboard box.  No food processing at all.

 

Raw materials used to make the boxes are: 

 

paper - direct contact

ink - indirect contact, outside of the box

coating - indirect contact, outside of box

Adhesives - indirect contact

Window film - direct contact

 

We have received TDS, SDS, COA/COC, and FDA letters from our raw materials suppliers.  There is nothing in these materials which would be a risk.

 

Has anyone in this business very issued a recall on a food contact paperboard box or knows of any recalls done.

 

Thanks,     

[SQFconsultant]

We assisted on a recall for paperboard boxes with film window.

 

The issue was a chemical in the sealer for the film to the box was leaching into the food product.

 

It was a complicated recall because the the sealer was not recorded, thus everything was recalled.

 

They record their sealer now and do routine analysis of the chemical ingredients on all packaging, inks, etc.

[mikeq]

Thanks for the information.  That is why you need to have good traceability system.  Interesting on the sealer.  We are using a cold set (food grade) glue.  Very small glue bead applied to the window.  We have not seen any overflow. 

 

Thanks again.  

[Hoosiersmoker]

Most everything related to packaging manufacturers would be considered withdrawal. Any carton manufacturer that uses anything in their process (post flash out) that is toxic needs to seriously reconsider their raw materials, Nearly everything involved with producing paperboard cartons should be practically edible, except the poly film which would probably not hurt you either in small quantities. I monitor recalls for packaging in general and see metal, glass and plastic recalls but never have seen a paper packaging recall. We have had a voluntary withdrawal in the past (one in the past 11 years) but it was a quality issue on a 3 million pc order where we mis-marked one pallet slated for inspection and thought it had been shipped. Turns out when we received the "errant" pallet it had no quality issues. We do still have a recall program in place and test it every year per SQF Ed. 8.1 - 2.6.3.

[mikeq]

Hoosiersmoker - thanks for the information.  I have spoken with quality managers from different packaging companies in my area and they have never had an recall or withdrawal as you stated.  Thanks for that information, which I did not know.  Those companies ranged from direct contact pizza boxes to doughnut and other types of bakery boxes.