Safety assessment results on the use of TFB in food contact materials

On 15 July 2016, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published scientific opinion deals with safety assessment on the use of substance 2,4,4′-trifluorobenzophenone, for use in food contact materials.

2,4,4′-trifluorobenzophenone (TFB), Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) No 80512-44-3, Food Contact Materials (FCM) substance No 1061, for use as a co-monomer to manufacture polyether ether ketone (PEEK) plastics. The final articles made of PEEK are intended for repeated use in contact with all types of foods for short-term duration, including at high temperatures.

In tests for migration from PEEK under exaggerated test conditions compared to the intended uses, TFB was not detected using a method with a limit of detection of food simulant. No TFB-related impurities, oligomers or reaction products were detected in the same set of migration tests. No oligomeric fraction below 1,000 Da was found in PEEK samples made without and with TFB used as a co-monomer. The substance was tested in three genotoxicity tests and was considered not to raise a concern for genotoxicity.

Therefore, the CEF Panel concluded that TFB is not of safety concern for the consumer if used as co-monomer up to (the highest tested concentration based on the final material) in the manufacture of PEEK plastics.

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Further information
Safety assessment of the substance 2,4,4′-trifluorobenzophenone, for use in food contact materials