Safety assessment of the active substances carboxymethylcellulose, acetylated distarch phosphate, bentonite, boric acid and aluminium sulfate, for use in active food contact materials. (2nd February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Silano, Vittorio; Bolognesi, Claudia; Chipman, Kevin; Cravedi, Jean‐Pierre; Engel, Karl‐Heinz; Fowler, Paul; Franz, Roland; Grob, Konrad; Gürtler, Rainer; Husøy, Trine; Kärenlampi, Sirpa; Mennes, Wim; Milana, Maria Rosaria; Pfaff, Karla; Riviere, Gilles; Srinivasan, Jannavi; Tavares Poças, Maria de Fátima; Tlustos, Christina; Wölfle, Detlef; Zorn, Holger; Kolf‐Clauw, Martine; Lampi, Eugenia; Svensson, Kettil; Van Haver, Ellen; Castle, Laurence
• Is Part Of: EFSA journal. Volume 16:Number 2(2018)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2018-02-02
• Subjects: carboxymethylcellulose -- acetylated distarch phosphate -- bentonite -- boric acid and aluminium sulfate -- FCM substance Nos 1071 and 1072 -- food contact materials -- active and intelligent materials -- safety assessment; Food -- Europe -- Safety measures -- Periodicals; Food Safety; Food -- Safety measures; Europe; Periodicals; Periodicals; Fulltext; Government Publications, International; Internet Resources; Periodicals; Periodicals; 363.19209405
• DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2018.5121
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1831-4732

Abstract

Abstract: This scientific opinion of the EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavourings and Processing Aids (CEF Panel) deals with the safety evaluation of the active substances carboxymethylcellulose, acetylated distarch phosphate (FCM substance No 1071), bentonite, boric acid and aluminium sulfate (FCM substance No 1072). The mixture is intended to be used as a liquid absorber in the packaging of perishable foods to extend their shelf‐life. All substances have been evaluated and approved for use as additives in plastic food contact materials and/or as food additives. Migration of boron into foods was up to 0.7 mg/kg food. Migration of aluminium was not detected (limit of detection (LOD) of 0.001 mg/kg). The CEF Panel concludes that the substances carboxymethylcellulose, acetylated distarch phosphate, bentonite, boric acid and aluminium sulfate are not of safety concern for the consumer when used as active components in moisture and liquid absorbers. The absorbent pads must be used under conditions in which direct contact between the active mixture and the food is avoided and the fluid absorption capacity of the absorber is not exceeded.