In January 2016, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) published the results of the second phase of its 24th Australian Total Diet Study (ATDS). In the scope of ATDS’ second phase, 81 foods and beverages typically consumed in Australia were analyzed for 30 food packaging chemicals and printing inks. Chemicals of interest included bisphenol A (BPA, CAS 80-05-7), epoxidized soy bean oil (ESBO, CAS 8013-07-8), ethyl-4-dimethylaminobenzoate (EDAB, CAS 10287-53-3), phthalates, and perfluorinated compounds. Half of the chemicals of interest were not detected, whereas the rest of the chemicals were detected at parts per million (ppm) or parts per billion (ppb) levels. Most chemicals were only detected in a small number of the food and beverage samples analyzed. Detected levels were generally similar to or lower than those reported in previous Australian and international studies, FSANZ states. Overall, the study concludes that Australian consumers’ exposure to food packaging chemicals is low. 28 of the 30 chemicals of interest are not considered of public health and safety concern. However, two identified phthalates, diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP, CAS 117-81-7) and diisononyl phthalate (DINP, CAS 28553-12-0), require further examination. FSANZ is planning a follow–up analytical survey to better estimate dietary exposure to DEHP and DINP and determine whether there are any health and safety concerns.

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FSANZ (January 2016). “24th ATDS phase 2.

Reference

FSANZ (January 2016). “24th Australian Total Diet Study – Phase 2.(pdf)

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