Packaging materials consist of many different substances. Although these substances are intentionally added, they may contain impurities and by-products. Furthermore, chemicals used in the production of packaging materials are often not completely stable and may degrade into other species. Cross-reaction can occur to form new adducts and products. The so-called Non-Intentionally Added Substances (NIAS) can migrate in detectable amounts into foods. Currently, most of these substances are poorly characterised and have not been toxicologically evaluated. These substances may be suddenly scrutinised and become an issue of concern for government, academia and industry. Furthermore, current European legislation is not specifically addressing these substances.
The one-day meeting provided a platform to discuss scientific, regulatory and enforcement aspects and to raise awareness of NIAS within different groups of stakeholders. In total, 23 participants from academia, research institutes, government agencies, European Commission and industry attended.
It was concluded to create an ILSI Europe Expert Group in 2011 to prepare a guidance document on how to conduct a risk assessment for these substances. Furthermore, it is planned to discuss this manuscript with a broader audience during a workshop before publishing.
Programme
Presentations
Welcome, introduction and industry perspective (S. Papilloud)
Scientific perspectives: Introduction to the issue (L. Castle)
Risk assessment of NIAS (S. Koster)
EC regulatory perspectives: Introduction to the issue (A. Schäfer)
Enforcement labs perspectives: Introduction to the issue (K. Grob)
Conclusions (S. Papilloud)