What is BS EN 648 about – Fastness of fluorescent paper?
Fluorescence fastness in papers and boards intended to carry or store food products can ruin the quality of food products and even cause health issues like allergies.
BS EN 648 describes procedures for the testing of the fastness of fluorescent whitened paper and board intended to come into contact with foodstuffs. Some procedures depending on the foreseeable use of the material are given.
Visual absence of the glass fibre paper’s fluorescence under UV light is evaluated.
For samples having significant different sides, migration can occur from one glass fibre to the other and could lead to the wrong interpretation of the fastness of one side. It is advisable to check these samples using a large sampling procedure to prevent cross-contamination of the glass fibre during the migration procedure. The procedure is described in Annex A. If a lower limit of detection is required, this procedure can also be used.
Who is BS EN 648 – Fastness of fluorescent paper for?
BS EN 648 on determining the fastness of fluorescent paper used in food packaging is useful for:
- Packaged food industry
- Packaging companies
- Food safety inspection departments
Why should you use BS EN 648 – Fastness of fluorescent paper?
In the case of fluorescent whitened paper, the fastness refers to the ineffectiveness of the paper to transfer its whitening fluorescent agent into foodstuff. Fluorescent in foodstuffs can be considered a safety hazard as it can cause an allergic reaction if consumed.
BS EN 648 provides you with the necessary requirements and a detailed account of the test procedures to help you determine the transfer of fluorescent when they come in contact with foodstuffs.
Overall, the test methods described in BS EN 648 enable you to enhance the quality of your fluorescence packaging by identifying fastness at varying temperatures and also with oil products.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 648:2018 supersedes EN 648:2006. With regard to EN 648:2006 the following changes have been made in BS EN 648:2018:
- Clause 1 “Scope” has been revised and extended
- In Clause 6 “Reagents” the test fluid “saliva simulant ” has been removed and the test fluid “alkaline salt solution” has been introduced
- New test conditions, matching the use of the tested papers and boards
- New definition for the glass fibre paper
- Editorial changes