Alert notifications concerning food contact material published in the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed between 2012 and 2017

Abstract

The European Rapid Alert System (RASFF) is a key tool for food safety used by EU member states for swift exchange about serious health risks due to food, feed and food contact materials. Until now, a detailed analysis of submitted notifications concerning food contact materials over a longer time period was not available. Therefore, an examination on alert notifications concerning food contact materials published between 2012 and 2017 was carried out. The focus of this analysis was on the type and the material of affected food contact materials as well as underlying health risks. This evaluation concentrates on alert notifications, which require quick action of the responsible contact points, and that were treated with priority. The release of metal ions as well as the migration of primary aromatic amines and of substances used in plastic manufacturing into food simulants are common health risks. Notifications about these health risks were examined for both type and material of food contact materials and causative substances. The release of lead and cadmium often occurred from glasses, cups, mugs and tableware made of painted glass or ceramic with decoration or glaze. The migration of primary aromatic amines was frequently identified with products made of plastic such as spatulas or serving spoons. In several cases, the human carcinogen 4,4′-methylenedianiline was among the migrating substances. The migration of starting substances used in plastic manufacturing like melamine and formaldehyde often appeared in food contact materials made of melamine resin, in particular from tableware.