In an article published on September 5, 2019, by regulatory news provider Chemical Watch, correspondent Clelia Oziel informed that the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) “has published EU member state proposals for the addition of four new chemicals to the REACH candidate list of substances of very high concern (SVHCs).” In the next step, the inclusion should be reviewed for approval by the ECHA’s Member State Committee (MSC) or by the European Commission.
All four substances are potentially relevant for food contact materials.
The two substances 2-benzyl-2-dimethylamino-4’-morpholinobutyrophenone (CAS 119313-12-1) and 2-methyl-1-(4-methylthiophenyl)-2-morpholinopropan-1-one (CAS 71868-10-5), proposed for inclusion because of toxicity for reproduction, could be used in printing inks and coatings.
The third substance, also toxic for reproduction, is diisohexyl phthalate (CAS 71850-09-4 or 146-50-9). This chemical is not included on any positive list for food contact materials, but has nonetheless been specifically mentioned by the Food Safety Alliance for Packaging (FSAP)’s recommendation as a substance that should be avoided in food packaging (FPF reported).
The last entry concerns perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS, CAS 375-73-5) and its salts, suggested for inclusion on the SVHC list due to equivalent level of concern because of probable serious effects on human health and the environment. PFBS could be used in printing inks and silicones, and as a “catalyst in polymer manufacture and chemical synthesis.” The use of hazardous per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food packaging has been subject to increasing restrictions worldwide (FPF reported).
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Clelia Oziel (September 5, 2019). “EU member states proposed additions to REACH candidate list.” Chemical Watch
