On January 16, 2023, China’s Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA) announced a comment period on the potential restriction of polymers used in paints and coatings of food contact materials (FCMs) meant for infants and young children. The three specific polymers that would be affected by the regulation are (i) hexanedioic acid polymer with 2-ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol, 4-(1,1-dimethylethyl) benzoate (CAS 74564-66-2); (ii) tricyclodecanedimethanol polymer with terephtalic acid and 1,6-hexandiol; and (iii) fatty acids, C18-unsaturated hydrogenated polymers with 1,4-butanediol, ethylene glycol, terephthalic acid, and trimethylolpropane – block.
In the appendices CFSA writes that all three substances are permitted in FCMs in Europe and Japan. According to CFSA, these “three new varieties of food-related products have passed the technical review by the expert review committee” in China and comments concerning the restriction for FCMs for infants are toddlers are sought. Members of the industry can comment on the proposed changes until February 10, 2023.
Reference
CFSA (January 16, 2023). “Public call for 3 food-related polymers of adipic acid, 2-ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol and 4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)benzoate – new variety product opinion.” (in Chinese).
Read more
Girija Shettar (January 15, 2023). “China seeks feedback on use of three polymers in FCMs, childrens’ food packaging.” Chemical Watch
