Evaluating the potential health risks of ingesting bread products with butanone-based ink transfer from packaging

Bread Product Packaging Safety Analysis

A bread manufacturer contacted our Health Sciences Advisory team to assess the potential public health risk posed by a butanone-based ink that had migrated from plastic food packaging onto a bread product. The manufacturer wanted to understand the human health risk associated with ingesting the affected bread and determine whether a recall should be issued.

We thoroughly reviewed literature regarding the toxicity of butanone following ingestion and performed a quantitative risk assessment related to the potential health hazards associated from this scenario, considering child, teenager, and adult consumers. Then we evaluated and characterized the risk associated with the consumption of this bread product.

Ultimately, we provided guidance to company management on whether a recall was necessary from a human health perspective that helped outline next steps for their bread packaging specifications.