A recent publication in the UK media based on a research of the University of Zaragoza (Spain) started a new discussion on a substance of which too little is known and which might possibly migrate into food. However, it is not clear whether the tested adhesive-film-combination was even intended to be used in contact with food.

The findings of the Spanish group are not surprising. 2,4,7,9-Tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol (TMDD; CAS no. 126-86-3 ) is a common additive in the field of adhesives. We know that a wide range of adhesive formulations, even in the field of food labels, are containing this substance.

In case of the adhesives submitted to us for analysis, we test for the specific migration of various substances – among them also TMDD. If the results turn out to be above 10 ppb we have to declare a product not suitable for food contact. Of course, the restricted surface to food ratio is considered here.

Our evaluation is solely based on nescience since, according to our knowledge, not enough toxicological data is available. Thus, it should be clarified beforehand how “highly toxic” TMDD really is as stated in the publication. In literature, there is also contradicting data to be found: For example, this substance is classified by the US Environmental Protection Agency as having only low to moderate acute toxicity. Up to now we also have no indications of a mutagenic or carcinogenic effect.

Adhesive formulations containing TMDD allow us to very easily evaluate beforehand whether a compliance with the Framework Directive (EC) No. 1935/2004 is given. The specific migration, too, can be supervised clearly.

It would be regrettable indeed if another technically useful substance were banned in food packages only due to one negative headline being circulated without sufficient background details.

At this year's annual meeting the participants decided to hold the VFV Lecture Event 2011 on 12 April under the chairmanship of Dr. Derra.

In connection with the annual general meeting, the VFV has once again hosted the conference "Trends on food packaging 2010" on 27 April 2010. The participation of more than 140 persons showed that this year's topics found an interested audience. The group of participants spans the product chain from raw material producers to packers alsoincluding packaging manufacturers.
If you have missed the events but are interested in the conference documentation, it can be subsequently ordered here.

According to the rapid alert system for food and feed, muesli products packed in UV-printed folding boxes have been detected with elevated contents of benzophenone and 4-methyl benzophenone.

Photoinitiators are employed as starting substances in UV-curing printing inks or lacquer systems. If the packages are printed on the exterior side a set-off of these substances onto the food contact side may occur during the storage in staples or on reels enabling the substances to subsequently migrate into the foodstuffs. In case of packages with an inadequate barrier effect against volatile compounds, photoinitiators may also migrate through the packaging material.

The latest screening analyses into TENAX conducted by ISEGA have shown that both substances are not contained in any relevant quantities in board grades made of recycled fibres. This study is currently being expanded over various production sites in Europe.

Benzophenone is subject to a specific migration limit (SML) of 0.6 mg/kg foodstuffs. However, 4-methyl benzophenone is a toxicologically not sufficiently evaluated substance. For the INREKA-project, the analysis method has been validated so far that the toxicological requirements of 10 µg/kg foodstuffs for 4-methyl benzophenone are achieved.

In Dr. Derra's presentation you will be informed about the state of the evaluation of recycling material in the context of the GMP regulation based on current discussions with the authorities.

The current wording of the Regulation is focused on plastics and the topic printing inks (ITX) in contact with foodstuffs. The goal of the Regulation to help avoiding the contamination of the month will not be reached with the present wording.

However, the lecture simultaneously explained under which conditions ISEGA is currently certifying the conformity with the GMP Regulation for our customers.

Who does not know that? It is winter and you have caught a bad cold. Your nose keeps running for two days straight and is already sore from constantly having to blow your nose. Understandably, everyone now prefers a paper handkerchief as soft as possible.

How fortunate for us consumers that ÖKO-TEST has now examined tissues. However, the chance for a scientifically substantiated evaluation has clearly been lost. read more (Full article in German language only)

Please note: Due to technical reasons, we have changed the password to our customer service section. If you have not received the new password yet, please contact us.

The long announced and much discussed 4th Amendment to the Directive 2002/72/EC relating to plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with foodstuffs has finally been passed now with the Commission Directive 2007/19/EC of 30 March 2007 (for download in our customer service section).

Important innovations are, apart from the updating of the substance lists for monomers and additives, the introduction of a fat reduction factor for foodstuffs with a fat content of more than 20 % and the official publication of specific limitations on the use of phthalates.

Also the findings from the ITX issue, namely that using 50 % ethanol as food simulant for milk and dairy products comes closest to real-world conditions as has been practiced for quite some time in our laboratory, have also been published as modifications of the Directive 85/572/EEC.

Your usual contact persons in our house are of course at your disposal if you have questions on how this new Directive may pertain to your analyses and certificates.

The standards series DIN EN 71 on the safety of toys was extended by part 9 in May 2005 . This part covers risks originating from the organic-chemical compounds contained in toys. These are for instance plasticisers, primary aromatic amines and colorants.

You can now find a non-printable pdf-version of the German law for the reorganisation of the foodstuffs and feedstuffs law in our customer service section.
The new law also has consequences for our certificates. For intofmation on how to update your certificates please contact your usual contact person in our house.