Printing inks are widely used by packaging manufacturers and distributors to provide information on the characteristics of packaged products and make packaging attractive for consumers.

Printing inks applied to materials in contact with food have no specific legislation, but their use is envisaged by EC Regulation 2023/2006 (GMP), which provides that the printing surface is not in direct contact with food. In addition, the printing should be placed so that the possible transfer of its constituents is not harmful to the health of the consumer and does not unacceptably alter the organoleptic characteristics of the food.