US State of Maine Publishes Draft List of Food Contact Chemicals of High Concern
A look at the US state of Maine’s draft list of food contact chemicals of high concern.
- (1888PressRelease) March 10, 2021 - The US state of Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has published a draft list of food contact chemicals of high concern.
The state approved LD 1433 to reduce toxic chemicals in food packaging in June 2019. It contained various provisions, including:
• Prohibition on phthalates in food packaging (including plastic service gloves)
• Authorization to the DEP to prohibit perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in food packages by rule, subject to the availability of safer alternatives
• Direction to DEP to publish a list of no more than ten food contact chemicals of high concern (FCCHCs)
• Authorization to the Commissioner of Environmental Protection (CEP) to designate an FCCHC as a priority food contact chemical (PFCC) for reporting purposes
The DEP has now announced its draft FCCHC criteria for public comment. The list includes:
1. Bisphenol A (BPA), Bisphenol B (BPB), Bisphenol S (BPS), Bisphenol F (BPF) – reportable as one group of substances
2. 4-Octylphenol
3. Octamethyl cyclotetrasiloxane
4. Toluene
5. Styrene
6. Benzene
7. Methylenedianiline
8. Methyl paraben, Ethyl paraben, Propyl paraben, Butyl paraben – as one chemical family
9. Benzophenone
10. Nonylphenol
The draft document states that the DEP may elevate an FCCHC to priority status if it meets certain criteria. Manufacturers and distributors of food packaging containing a chemical on the PFCC list, in a concentration greater than the de minimis level, must disclose this information to the DEP within 180 days.
The law defines ‘de minimis level’ as:
• For an FCCHC or a PFCC that is an intentionally added chemical in a food package, the practical quantification limit (PQL), or
• For an FCCHC or a PFCC that is a contaminant present in a food package, a concentration of 100 ppm
Comments on the draft were accepted by the DEP until March 10, 2021.
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SGS’s technical experts have extensive experience of testing materials and articles in contact with food. They can ensure that your products meet the appropriate regulations for food contact materials and pave the way for compliance. SGS offers the full range of testing, including migration tests, along with expert advice on emerging regulations, compliance issues and documentation review. Learn more about SGS’s Food Contact Material Services. [http://www.sgs.com/fcm]
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