China Solicits Comments on Expanded Use for Two FCMs

On May 13, 2025, China’s National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA) solicited comments on expanded use for two additives for food-contact materials. Comments are due by June 12, 2025, and can be emailed directly to biaozhun@cfsa.net.cn.

Additives with Expanded Use

1. Barium sulfate (CAS Reg. No. 7727-43-7) is to be cleared for use at a maximum level of 30% in polylactic acid (PLA) in plastic materials and products. This substance is currently used as a filler to enhance the toughness of PLA plastic. PLA plastic materials and products that contain barium sulfate shall not be used for producing infant food-contact materials and products. This substance must comply with the requirements for the purity of colorants in Appendix A of GB 9685-2016, and the specific migration level (SML) for barium sulfate shall meet the special provisions for metal elements in Appendix C. These restrictions must be labeled in accordance with the provisions of GB 4806.1.
2. Pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4- hydroxyphenyl)propionate) is to be cleared for use at a maximum level of 3% for use in polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). This substance serves as an antioxidant to improve PVDF resin stability during thermal processing. No SML has been set for this substance. The PVDF plastic materials and products that contain this substance are only suitable for food contact at temperatures at or below 70℃ for no more than 24 hours, and must not be used in contact with oily foods or foods containing more than 50% ethanol. These restrictions must be labeled in accordance with the provisions of GB 4806.1.