Question from Karen in Florida
Recently, due to BPA in tin can linings. I have been purchasing my peeled and diced tomatoes in Aseptic packaging. I have also for many years kept standby milk in the same manner, not to mention juice boxes containing not only juice but soy products etc, that are commonly available today.
My concern is that the packaging is ‘safe’? (At this point not even addressing the UHT Technology used to sterilize the milk)
According to the Aseptic Packaging Council the aluminum liner, which keeps the light out, thus preventing spoilage, is coated with low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Also according to the Aseptic packaging council the LDPE has been tested and found to not contain bisphenol A (BPA), nonylphenol, and phthalates.
So, is it safe? Especially considering the acidity of tomatoes?
Thanks
Debra’s Answer
From everything I’ve read, LDPE is safe for food contact. I know of no information to the contrary.
Of course, in the larger picture, it is made from crude oil and doesn’t biodegrade, but I know of no toxicity issues in it’s use.
Can you tell me the difference between UHT and other paper/cardboard packaginf for drinks ?
I understand that UHT is aluminium based (alzheimer’s come to mind)
However, I suspect the inner lining for some of these paper/cardboard packaging is plastic based – hence BPA – am I right to think this ?
What other types of inner lining can there be ?
Many thanks
My understanding is that UHT is ultra high temperature processing which occurs in an aseptic carton.
The aseptic carton has an aluminum layer, but the layer which is in conact with the food is LDPE. There is no BPA in LDPE. Don’t assume “plastic” contains BPA. This is the only inner lining I know of.