A Review of Plastics Use in Winemaking: HACCP Considerations

Use of plastics is ubiquitous in the food and beverage industries, with expanding usage in wine production. Common plastic additives, used to modify and improve applicability and durability of plastics, include phthalate plasticizers and bisphenols. Phthalates are used in many products, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), lubricants, and emulsifying agents. Bisphenols such as bisphenol A (BPA) and related BPA non-intent (BPA-NI) alternatives are used to harden plastics and are commonly used in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy coatings. Migration of bisphenols and plasticizers into wine from plastic containers and closures has been studied using analytical tools such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Foodstuffs can become contaminated with plastic additives through food-contact processing and packaging materials, leading to environmental and human health concerns. This work reviews current food product use and regulations regarding plastic additives and potential leachates, particularly in wines, hazard analysis and critical control points approaches, alternative plasticizers, and bio-based plastics.