On February 12, 2014 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published a scientific opinion considering the substance ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer wax (CAS 24937-78-8) safe for use in food contact materials (FCM). The polymeric additive is used as a dispersing agent, lubricant, pigment carrier and/or processing aid in the manufacture of plastic materials including polyethylene (PE). Based on genotoxicity data and a 120 day oral toxicity study in rodents, EFSA concludes that the substance does not raise safety concerns. Migration is estimated to be below 5 mg/kg food. The co-monomer used to manufacture the polymeric additive is authorized. Vinyl acetate has a specific migration limit (SML) of 12 mg/kg. No SML is specified for the gas ethylene.
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EFSA (February 12, 2014). “Scientific Opinion on the safety assessment of the substance ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer wax, CAS No 24937-78-8 for use in food contact materials.”
