Approach to perform the Safety Assessment of Cellulose and Nisin Biopolymers obtained from Bacterial Fermentation as Innovative Food Contact Materials Aimed to Extend Food Shelf Life

In the context of circular economy and the increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions in the food industry, this study explores a possible approach to the safety assessment of innovative food contact materials (FCMs) that utilise agro industrial by-products for biopolymer production. The work focusses on biopolymers obtained from microbial fermentation, i.e. bacterial cellulose produced by Komagataeibacter xylinus, and the additive nisin produced from Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, in the formulation of active packaging. The approach used applies the EFSA principles that could be applicable to the safety assessment of the use of mixtures of natural origin to manufacture FCM (EFSA, 2023). A Literature Review was performed to identify potential substances of concern. Starting with the selection of natural carbon sources derived from agro-industrial waste, and continuing through the manufacturing of final materials and articles, each step is being scrutinised for the presence or production of hazardous substance, providing insights into the risks associated with the biobased FCMs throughout their manufacture. This work underscores the importance of a proper safety assessment approach for biopolymers derived from agro-industrial by-products.