In a scientific opinion published The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on April 9, 2013 the agency finds an active substance based on an acrylic acid, sodium salt co-polymer safe for food contact. The substance will be used as a liquid absorber in absorbent pads in the packaging of fresh or frozen meat, poultry, fish, fruits and vegetables. Acrylic acid and acrylic acid, methyl acid are already authorized as monomers for plastic materials with a group Specific Migration Limit (SML) of 6 mg/kg food. The Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavourings and Processing Aids (CEF) concluded that migration of the active substance is not expected and that it can be safely used in absorbent pads. The substance does not raise concerns of genotoxicity. The evaluation was requested by the UK Food Standards Agency and the German Ministry for Consumer Protection and Food Safety.

Reference

CEF (2013). “Scientific Opinion on the safety evaluation of the active substance, acrylic acid, sodium salt, co-polymer with acrylic acid, methyl ester, methacrylic acid, 2 hydroxypropylester, and acrylic acid cross-linked for use in active food contact materials.” EFSA Journal 11, 4, 3154.

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