Scientific Opinion on the safety evaluation of the active substances, activated carbon, water, iron powder, kaolin calcined, sulphur and sodium chloride for use as active component in food contact materials

摘要

This scientific opinion of EFSA deals with the risk assessment of the active substances activated carbon (CAS No 7440‐44‐0, FCM Substance No 984), water (CAS No 7732‐18‐5, FCM Substance No 515), iron powder (CAS No 7439‐89‐6, FCM Substance No 983), kaolin calcined (CAS No 92704‐41‐1, FCM Substance No 753), sulphur (CAS No 7704‐34‐9, FCM Substance No 514), sodium chloride (CAS No 7647‐14‐5, FCM Substance No 985), used in mixtures which are packed into sachets for absorbing oxygen from the food environment. All substances of the oxygen absorber formulations have been evaluated and approved for use as additives in plastic food contact materials and/or as food supplements (sodium chloride). The CEF Panel concluded that the use of the substances activated carbon, water, iron powder, kaolin calcined, sulphur and sodium chloride, do not raise a safety concern when used in oxygen absorbers in sachets which would prevent the physical release of their contents into the food and placed in the headspace of the packaging or when used in direct contact with dry foods. The sachet should not intentionally or unintentionally come into direct contact with liquid foods or foods that have an external aqueous liquid phase on the surface such as sliced fruits and fresh meat. Activated carbon should in addition comply with the same purity requirements as for Vegetable Carbon (E 153) set out by Commission Directive 95/45/EC with exception of ash content which can be up to 10 % (w/w).