Upcoming changes of approved substances in plastic for food contact

Phthalates are going to be further limited, and five new substances have been authorised.

A proposed update of Annex I to the regulation includes change of several existing specific migration limits (SMLs), among them limits for the phthalates. The update also includes authorisation and SMLs of five new chemicals:

  1. tris(2-ethylhexyl) benzene-1,2,4- tricarboxylate: proposed SML of 1% (w/w)*
  2. (triethanolamine-perchlorate, sodium salt) dimer: only to be used in rigid poly(vinyl chloride) in contact with foods* 
  3. N, n-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)stearylamine partially esterified with saturated C16/C18 fatty acids: only to be used at up to 2% (w/w) in plastic materials and articles*
  4. phosphoric acid, mixed esters with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate: proposed SML of 0.05% (w/w)*
  5. benzophenone3,3’,4,4’-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA): proposed SML of 0.05% (w/w)*

*Please refer to the draft Annex for notes on restrictions and specifications.

Wood flour and fibres and salicylic acid are no longer on the list of approved substances. 

The update of Annex I to EU Regulation 10/2011 on plastic materials and articles for food contact is expected to be implemented in April 2023. 

For more details on the use of plastic materials for food contact, please contact:

Lise M. Møller 
lmm@dhigroup.com 
Tel +45 4516 9133