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EFSA Reaffirms the Safety of Silanated Silicon Dioxide in Food-Contact Plastics

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has determined that the use of silanated silicon dioxide, which contains synthetic amorphous silicon dioxide in nanoform, does not raise a safety concern when used as an additive in all types of plastics. EFSA's Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavourings and Processing Aids (CEF) was asked by the European Commission to re-evaluate the substance since the EU Plastics Regulations Regulation 10/2011 requires that all food-contact materials in nanoform be specifically approved.

In reviewing of the material provided with the request to re-evaluate the material, the CEF Panel noted that there was no detectable migration of silicon dioxide—of any particle size—from a low density polyethylene film into appropriate food simulants. A copy of EFSA's statement on the safety assessment of silanated silicon dioxide can be found on EFSA's website. For background information on the Plastics Regulation, see the PackagingLaw.com article, New EU Legislation on Food-Contact Plastics Enacted: Significant Changes on the Horizon.