Degradable plastic bags can be used to package food, but they need to meet specific conditions. First, degradable plastic bags must comply with the national standard GB/T21661-2008 and be labeled with abbreviations such as PLA, PHAs, PBA, PBS and other polymer materials. These plastic bags are usually printed with a triangular recyclable symbol with the number “53” written on it. In particular, if the plastic bags are used for food, they must bear the QS mark for food safety authorization and be clearly marked with the words “for food”, “food safety authorization” or “QS” to ensure safety. QS” to ensure safety. In addition, the material and safety of degradable plastic bags are directly related to the quality of packaged food, so it is important to choose the right degradable plastic bags.
Although degradable plastic bags are an environmentally friendly material that can reduce environmental pollution, they do not necessarily meet the safety standards for food packaging. Common PE/HDPE/LDPE plastic bags, if there is no “food-specific”, “food safety license” or “QS”, should not be used to package food, because these plastic bags have an increased risk of food poisoning. If the plastic bags do not have the words “for food”, “food safety approval” or “QS”, they should not be used for packaging food because the plasticizers in these bags may exceed the standard and contain harmful substances such as phthalates. In addition, oil and grease from food may dissolve these plastic bags, especially those made of low-density polyethylene, which have larger molecular voids and are more prone to oil seepage. Therefore, when choosing degradable plastic bags for food packaging, you should ensure that they are suitable for food contact and have the appropriate safety certification.
Secondly, various manufacturers have different production environments and cannot guarantee that they are all produced in dust-free environments. Moreover, during the production process, biodegradable bags have to go through various stages such as film blowing, printing, bag making, packaging, etc., any of which may be contaminated. Therefore, unless the biodegradable bags are produced by manufacturers certified by the state's strict food hygiene and environmental regulations and standards, others are not recommended to be used directly for packaging food.
In summary, while degradable plastic bags are an environmentally friendly option, when using them to package food, consumers should take care to choose products labeled with appropriate logos and certifications to ensure food safety and health.
