EFSA approves copolymers for PET and PLA

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has approved three new copolymers for use in plastic food contact materials.

The body’s CEF Panel examined the substances after requests from France and the UK under Regulation (EC) No.1935/2004.

Melt properties

The experts said that incorporation of copolymer butyl acrylate, butyl methacrylate, methyl methacrylate copolymer for use in rigid PVC at a maximum level of 1% w/w and in PLA at a maximum level of 5% w/w did not pose a human health hazard.

The Ministère de l’Economie, des Finances et de l’Industrie, France, requested the evaluation of the substance, with CAS No 25322-99-0, REF. No. 40619 and FCM substance No 865, for use up to 5% w/w in polylactic acid (PLA) to improve the melt properties.

The dossier was submitted by the applicant, Rohm and Haas Europe Services ApS, France.

To read the full opinion click HERE

The Parma-based agency also gave the green light to another copolymer ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate after a second request from France’s Ministère de l’Economie, des Finances et de l’Industrie.

The substance, with CAS number 9010-88-2, EC (REF. No.) 53245 and the FCM substance number 868, is intended for use up to 5% w/w in polylactic acid (PLA) and poly(ethylene terephtalate) (PET) to improve the melt properties.

Finished articles are intended to be used in contact with all types of foodstuffs. The application was again made by Rohm and Haas Europe Services ApS, France.

To read the full opinion click HERE

Oxygen scavenging

Copolymer polyethylene terephthalate, hydroxylated polybutadiene, pyromellitic anhydride was also found present no concerns for consumer use.

The Food Standards Agency, UK, requested the evaluation of the substance, which will be used with cobalt stearate as catalyst.

The dossier, submitted by ColorMatrix Group Inc, in the UK has an EC reference number 79987 and the FCM substance No 979,

The copolymer will be employed in oxygen scavenging systems in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) at a maximum content of 5 % w/w for contact with all types of food in any condition of time and temperature.

To read the full opinion click HERE