The growing interest in biodegradable packaging has led to a whole wave of proposals for packaging based on biopolymers of agricultural origin. Wheat bran, wheat straw or other cereals, semolina, and even flour have been integrated into materials proposed for the next generation of packaging in which food could be delivered. However, this evolution raises some food safety concerns because materials based on rye or wheat can transfer gluten into foods, which would affect certain categories of consumers with gluten allergies. The issue is further exacerbated by a legislative gap at the EU level, as allergen labeling is not required for food contact materials (FCMs).

In a recent study, researchers from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology i...