Desirability to prescribe quality specifications for aluminium foils used as food contact material

An exploratory study on metallic constituents in aluminium foilshas been undertaken to assess the need to prescribe quality specifications. The aluminiumcontent of foils was found to range from 90% to over 99% and contained alloying elements, namely iron, magnesium, manganese, copper and traces of zinc. Low quantities of lead and cadmium, the elements of high toxicity concern have been detected. The study suggests the need to specify functional elements in the starting alloys for aluminium foilsand prescribe limits for some toxic metals. Such standards will encourage industries to select proper raw materials and adopt good manufacturing practicesto ensure safety compliance.