Chemicals in glass jar seals
What are plasticisers?
The chemicals epoxidised soybean oil and phthalates are plasticisers used in PVC to give the plastic the right mechanical properties to form a good seal between the jar and the metal lid, that is also stable during the sterilisation process. These chemicals are used by the packaging industry to replace semicarbazides, which were previously found to also migrate into food products.
How is food packaging regulated?
Although there are no limits for these chemicals in food in Australia, manufacturers are required by the Food Standards Code to ensure that food packaging materials are safe and meet the requirements of the relevant Australian Standard.
Standard 1.4.3 – Articles and Materials in Contact with Food of the Food Standards Code deals with food contact materials in general terms and does not specify individual packaging materials for food contact or how they should be produced or used.
However, with respect to plastic packaging products, the Standard refers to the Australian Standard for Plastic Materials for Food Contact Use, AS 2070-1999. This Standard provides a guide to industry about the production of plastic materials for food contact use. AS 2070-1999, in turn, refers to regulations of the United States of America and European Economic Community directives for the manufacture and use of plastics. In addition, the various Australian State and Territory Food Acts make reference to food packaging issues.
Are the levels of these plasticisers in food safe?
FSANZ is aware of the results of CHOICE’s testing that indicated low levels of epoxidised soybean oil and/or phthalates in some foods contained in glass jars with metal lids .
FSANZ conducted a preliminary risk assessment of the potential for adverse health effects in consumers of these products and concluded that consumption of these foods was unlikely to pose a health risk. FSANZ advised CHOICE of these findings in April 2008.
The levels of the chemicals, epoxidised soybean oil and/or phthalates, permitted in foods in the European Union are based on the EU’s interpretation of the safety data combined with consumption patterns of such foods within Europe. The levels do not necessarily reflect the situation in Australia and New Zealand where there may be different consumption patterns of the foods.
Is FSANZ looking at food packaging materials?
FSANZ is currently reviewing our approach to regulating food packaging materials. This is likely to result in work to assess the wide range of chemicals used in food packaging, and the potential for health effects from the migration of these chemicals into food. If it is determined there is an unacceptable risk to consumers from food packaging chemicals, FSANZ will amend the Food Standards Code to set limits on their use. The basis for other national and international limits, such as those set by the EU, will be investigated as part of this work. FSANZ will continue to monitor and assess individual chemicals for risk on a case-by-case basis, and take action accordingly.