EFSA reduces tolerable intake level for melamine

The European Food Safety Authority has lowered the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) for melamine, a chemical mainly used in the manufacture of certain plastics, as new analysis indicates that it may cause harmful effects to the kidneys at lower levels of intake than previously thought[1].

Stop to triclosan

Ciba Inc. informed the Commission of its decision to withdraw the application for the authorisation of the 2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenyl (trclosan) as an additive in the manufacture of plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with foodstuffs.

The company does not consider the use of the substance in plastics intended to come into contact with food appropriate any more. Last month (March 2010) a Commission decision, announced that 2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenyl ether (CAS No 0003380-34-5, ref. No 93930) shall not be included in Annex III to Directive 2002/72/EC.

Bisphenol A

The European Food Safety Authority has held consultations with national experts from across Europe, as well as several international risk assessment authorities, on the subject of bisphenol A. BPA is widely used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics, including materials which come into contact with food, and has been linked to a number of possible health problems.

Biocide for processing coatings and paper and boards

Within the general task of evaluating substances intended for use in materials in contact with food according to the Regulation (EC) No.1935/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 October 2004 on materials and articles intended to come into contact with foodstuffs, the CEF Panel received a request from a competent Member State Authority for safety evaluation of a substance following a corresponding application from the industry.

Biological products

Commission Regulation (EC) No 1254/2008 of 15 December 2008, amending Regulation (EC) No 889/2008 laying down detailed rules for implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 on organic production and labelling of organic products with regard to organic production, labelling and control.

16.12.2008 EN Official Journal of the European Union L 337/81

Animal products

Commission Regulation (EC) No 1020/2008 of 17 October 2008, amending Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin and Regulation (EC) No 2076/2005 as regards identification marking, raw milk and dairy products, eggs and egg products and certain fishery products

Reach - amending

Commission Regulation (EC) No 987/2008 of 8 October 2008 amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) as regards Annexes IV and V

Official Journal of the European Union L268 9 October 2008