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European Food Safety Authority approves TiN nanoparticles safe for use in PET bottles
Published: Tuesday 16 December 2008
On the 27th November, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) adopted the Scientific Opinion of the EFSA Panel on food contact materials, enzymes, flavourings and processing aids (CEF) on 21st list of substances for food contact materials (the EFSA Journal (2008) 888-890, 1-14).
The list includes nanoparticles of titanium nitride as a ‘new substance’ (i.e. not previously evaluated by SCF or CEF) for the following use:
‘According to the petitioner, titanium nitride (TiN), nanoparticles, is intended to be used as an additive in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles up to 20 mg/kg . The final product is intended to come into contact with all types of liquid foodstuffs for typical hotfill/pasteurization and/or long time storage at room temperature.’
‘Titanium nitride as such is chemically inert and completely insoluble in all food simulants tested,’ the Panel found.
It is pointed out that ‘in addition, the Panel investigated the potential migration of TiN nano-particles using theoretical considerations based on diffusion models which are known to overestimate migration. These models estimate that no migration occurs. Based on the above data the Panel considers that the intended use of this nanoparticulate substance does not give rise to exposure via food and therefore to toxicological concern. Consequently toxicological data for this application are not required.’
In an interview with Foodproductiondaily.com, EFSA stressed that the evaluation of TiN nanoparticles was conducted as per the case-by-case approach recommended in the agency’s Draft Opinion on Risks arising from Nanoscience and Nanotechnologies on Food and Feed Safety.
Follow these links to find out more about the 21st List, to download the complete Scientific Opinion, or a summary of the Scientific Opinion, or to find out more about the EFSA Draft Opinion.
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In a joint effort, the Confederation of the Food and Drink Industries in the EU (CIAA) and the Nanotechnology Industries Association (NIA) developed and provided comments to the ‘Draft Opinion of the Scientific Committee on the Potential Risks Arising from Nanoscience and Nanotechnologies on Food and Feed Safety’, published for public consultation by the European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA) on the 17th October 2008. (1st December 2008)
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