On April 13, 2015 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published a scientific opinion dealing with the safety assessment of zinc oxide nanoparticles (uncoated and coated with 3-(methacryloxy)propyl trimethoxysilane). The EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavourings and Processing Aids (CEF) is considering these nanoparticles for use as a transparent ultraviolet (UV) light absorber in all polyolefins at a maximum content of 2% and 3% for the uncoated and the coated species, respectively. The CEF Panel concluded that the substance does not migrate in nanoform. However, concerns exist regarding the migration of soluble ionic zinc. The available migration data for ionic zinc coming from the intended application are in compliance with the current specific migration limit (SML) of 25 mg/person/day.  Nevertheless, if dietary exposure from other sources is taken into account, the SML might be exceeded. The CEF Panel therefore recommends that the European Commission reconsiders the current SML, taking into account that consumers are exposed to zinc from sources other than food contact materials (FCMs).

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CEF (April 13, 2015). “Scientific Opinion on the safety evaluation of the substance zinc oxide, nanoparticles, uncoated and coated with [3-(methacryloxy)propyl] trimethoxysilane, for use in food contact materials.EFSA Journal 2015;13(4):4063.

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