On February 12, 2014 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published a scientific opinion considering the active substances sodium erythorbate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, iron sulphate, activated carbon, cellulose, calcium hydroxide, calcium chloride and water combined in a sachet safe for the use in an active oxygen absorbing system in food contact. No substance other than carbon dioxide was detected in minced meat during tests on the active system (limit of detection 0.5 µg/l). Based on the observed levels of migration and the intended uses, the Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavourings and Processing Aids (CEF) did not required toxicity tests. It states that the sachets are to be placed in the headspace of the packaging and should not be used for liquid foods or foods with a surface aqueous liquid phase. The oxygen absorber is intended for use in meat and meat products.
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CEF (2014). “Scientific Opinion on the safety assessment of the active substances, sodium erythorbate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, iron sulphate, activated carbon, cellulose, calcium hydroxide, calcium chloride and water, for use as active system in food contact materials.” EFSA Journal 2014;12(2):3571 [11 pp.].
