EFSA Initiates Public Consultation on Health Risks of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) in Food

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has commenced a public consultation regarding the potential health hazards associated with polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) found in food.

PBDEs, a type of brominated flame retardant used in various products, including plastics and electronics, have been found to pose health risks to individuals of all age groups. EFSA's draft opinion highlights the adverse effects of PBDEs on reproductive and nervous systems, based on animal studies.

The authority calls for continued monitoring of PBDE levels in food, with a specific focus on infant formula and transfer of these substances from mother to child during pregnancy and lactation.

This consultation is part of a series of opinions on brominated flame retardants, as the European Union endeavors to mitigate the risks associated with these chemicals, which persist in the environment. In line with this, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has unveiled a regulatory strategy to restrict aromatic brominated flame retardants, aiming to minimize human exposure to this class of compounds.

MORE INFO ON www.efsa.europa.eu