Silicones are a highly versatile class of polymers. Silicone-based food contact materials include fluids, rubbers and resins. Further, silicones are used as additives in plastic. The dossier covers areas of application and current regulations, and reviews migration, exposure, and toxicology of silicones.
China seeks input on updated FCM safety standards
The Chinese National Health Commission published two draft proposals for food contact material (FCM) safety standards; focus on general safety standards and silicone rubber FCMs; public consultation open until December 15
MERCOSUR publishes draft silicone FCM regulation
South American trade bloc MERCOSUR is updating its standards for silicone food contact materials; includes positive lists and specific migration limits for metal salts; stakeholders can comment on the draft until May 12, 2023; Argentina and Uruguay have already notified the World Trade Organization of impending changes
Scientists find most silicon rubber kitchenwares are endocrine disrupting
Study determines toxicity and composition of 42 silicon rubber food contact articles; finds 84% of silicon kitchenware to induce endocrine activity; review gives update on the known endocrine disruptors phthalates and bisphenols with focus on detection methods and addressing regulatory concerns; study develops and applies method for phthalate determination in vegetable oils
Chemical migration from silicone baking materials
European Consumer Organization (BEUC) finds that chemicals of concern migrate from silicone baking molds sold in Europe, including three siloxanes classified as SVHCs; 23% of 44 products tested release chemical constituents in high (>30 mg/kg) or increasing amounts over time; BEUC calls for stricter EU rules for silicone food contact materials
Webinar on silicones in FCMs
Upcoming webinar to present on the use of silicones in food contact materials, discuss applications, regulations, migration, and toxicity
ECHA classifies cyclic siloxanes as SVHCs
D4, D5 and D6 categorized as very persistent and very bioaccumulative; D4 also persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic; industry opposes to classification as substances of very high concern
ECHA consults on identification of 8 SVHCs
ECHA opens public consultation on proposals to identify 8 substances of very high concern; deadline for comments April 23, 2018; 5 substances relevant for food contact
Migration of nitrosamines from FCMs
Scientists develop analytical method to measure N-nitrosamines migrating from elastomeric food contact materials; 6 nitrosamines detected frequently; BfR-recommended limit exceeded for one styrene block copolymer sample