FAQs

We are pleased to provide the following questions you may have about what ProvisionGard is, and how we offer a fumigation alternative to preventing insect infestation in food packaging. Please feel free to contact us if we have not answered your questions below.

What is the FDA Status?

All polymers and coating ingredients in ProvisionGard™ are approved for use in food and feed packaging pursuant to regulations in 21 CFR Parts 175-177.

How is ProvisionGard approved for packaging use?

ProvisionGard™ IGR 30000 is registered by the US EPA (Registration Number 81390-2) as an end-use biopesticide product for the control of infestation and damage caused by insect larvae in packaged food or feed products. This component is used to manufacture our line of polymers and coatings under the ProvisionGard Brand name.

ProvisionGard™ Branded coatings and polymers manufactured using the ProvisionGard IGR 30000 as a component are not regulated EPA-labeled products, and the products they protect via packaging are not required to be labeled.

How long has ProvisionGard™ been in use, and how safe is it?

ProvisionGard’s insect-inhibiting active is approved for direct application to many food/feed crops, and for use in food/feed processing facilities; it has been in use since 1975. Due to EPA regulation 40CFR Part 180.1033, residues are acceptable for all food/feed commodities. Based on a risk assessment, the EPA concluded that “there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to the general population and to infants and children from aggregate exposure to residues of methoprene.” (Final Rule, Federal Register 68(112):34845-9, July 11, 2003)

Consequently, any residues in foods/feeds from its use would be of no concern to the EPA or FDA.

Can ProvisionGard be used in other countries?

ProvisionGard’s insect-inhibiting active is used in many countries, including but not limited to the European Union (EU) countries, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan. These countries have set their own Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for various food/feed commodities; some based their values on Codex Alimentarius, MRLs. In addition, many of these countries will import foods that comply with Codex Alimentarius standards. Given that ProvisionGard’s active is recognized world-wide and is not hazardous, then our coatings and polymers can be shipped easily to any country for use.

How does ProvisionGard™ meet Packaging Legislation?

Coalition of Northeastern Governors (CONEG) and ProvisionGard™ Technology LLC certify that all packaging and packaging components of ProvisionGard™ comply with requirements of the Toxics in Packaging Legislation established in various states and supported by various industrial coalitions.

California Proposition 65 – ProvisionGard™Technology LLC certifies that all chemicals used in the manufacturing process of ProvisionGard™ comply with California Proposition 65 Regulations.

Can ProvisionGard™ be certified as Organic?

Currently there are no means by which paper-packaging chemical coatings can be certified organic because there are no National Organic Program (NOP) guidelines for certifying non-food products as organic. Pursuant to this claim, ProvisionGard™ has been used for organic product packaging.

Is ProvisionGard™ a hazardous material?

ProvisionGard™ is not hazardous material under DOT shipping standards because it is a non-toxic, non-flammable, non-corrosive liquid or polymer.

Is there any danger in handling and being exposed to ProvisionGard™ in the printing process?

There are no additional risks associated with exposure to ProvisionGard™ in the converting process compared to the standard water-based coatings and polymers. Follow label directions.

What if a drum is spilled on the Plant floor?

Cleanup procedures are in general no different for ProvisionGard™ than for existing water-based coatings. Consult and follow the cleanup procedures described on the label or in the MSDS.

What regulatory requirements are necessary to run ProvisionGard™ at my converting Plant?

Regulations for applying ProvisionGard™ as a coating/polymer at a converting facility require following the label instructions. Otherwise, requirements are no different than for any other water-based coating or polymer.

Will my converting Plant be subject to Government Inspections?

Your converting plant is not subject to inspection by the EPA in connection with the use of ProvisionGard™.

Does ProvisionGard™ affect the taste or odor of the package contents?

ProvisionGard™ has had several palatability studies conducted by separate end-use customers. None of these tests have shown any difference between the ProvisionGard™ package and standard packages. Please contact ProvisionGard™ Technologies LLC for additional information.

What is the effective shelf life of a ProvisionGard™ Coated Package?

ProvisionGard™ packages are continuing to exhibit undiminished insect suppression 2 years after conversion.

Can converting Plant Waste Packages and Post-Consumer waste be landfilled?

Disposal procedures are in general no different for ProvisionGard™ packaging than for existing coated packaging.

Are ProvisionGard™ coated Packages recyclable?

Recycling and repulping procedures are no different for ProvisionGard™ packaging than for existing water-based coated packaging.