EFSA: assessment of biopolymer PHBH for food contact use

The EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavourings and Processing Aids (CEF Panel) has made a safety assessment of PHBH or poly((R)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐(R)‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate), CAS No 147398‐31‐0 and food contact material substance No 1059, for contact with dry/solid food. This biodegradable (co)polymer is produced by fermentation of palm oil using a genetically modified microorganism.
The CEF Panel concluded that the substance PHBH is not of safety concern if used alone or in blends with other polymers for contact with dry/solid food. If the SML of crotonic acid is met, migration of (E)‐2‐hexenoic acid will also not exceed 0.05 mg/kg food (EFSA Journal, 20 July 2018).
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