EFSA assesses 2 food contact substances

On January 12, 2018, the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavorings and Processing Aids (CEF Panel) published two scientific opinions on the safety assessment of selenium nanoparticles and isobutane for use in food contact materials (FCMs).

Selenium nanoparticles (CAS 7782-49-2), to be used as an antioxidant, are “incorporated into the adhesive middle layer of multilayer laminates with an outside polyethylene terephtahalate (PET) layer and an inner polyolefin (food contact) layer.” The final FCMs are intended for all types of food susceptible to oxidation. Migration tests were carried out using multilayer pouches containing selenium particles and holding different food simulants. No migration of selenium was detected in any of the tests. Based on the test results and “current knowledge on the diffusional properties of nanoparticles in polymers,” the CEF Panel concluded that selenium nanoparticles are safe for consumers if “used in multilayer films and separated from the food by a polyolefin food contact layer for any type of food and under any food contact conditions.”

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