The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a scientific opinion on polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a type of flame retardants, toxic chemicals that can remain as contaminants in some foods.
The opinion, now the subject of public consultation open until July 20, 2023, qualifies PBDEs-still used in the production of many everyday items-as endocrine disruptors, toxic to the reproductive system as well as the nervous system.
Flame retardants, the new EFSA opinion.
PBDEs are used in the production of products such as plastics, textiles and electrical/electronic equipment to reduce their flammability.
However, these substances leach into the environment, including the home, polluting the air, water, and soil. And they enter the food chain as contaminants mainly through animal feed and foods of animal origin (fish, meat and milk).
Animal studies evaluated in the development of the new scientific opinion show that exposure to PBDEs can cause an adverse effect on the reproductive system and nervous system.
An alarm born 10 years ago
EFSA’s CONTAM Scientific Panel, the author of the opinion, recommends monitoring the presence of PBDEs in food. And it urges the collection of more data on the presence of these substances in infant formula and how the molecules are transferred from mother to baby during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
In its previous opinion on PBDEs in 2011, EFSA identified health concerns only for young individuals. In light of scientific evidence that has emerged since 2011, this concern is now extended to the population of all age groups.
Protective measures
TheEuropean Chemical Agency(ECHA) in its Regulatory Strategy for Flame Retardants published in March 2023 highlights that aromatic brominated flame retardants should be restricted at the European level in order to minimize human exposure to this class of compounds. But restrictions and bans have yet to be seen, while these as well as other toxic chemicals–therefore termed POPs(Persistent Organic Pollutants)–remain in the environment for long periods.
The public consultation on the new opinion
The new EFSA opinion on PBDE flame retardants is the second in a series of six opinions on the risks posed by this category of chemicals. The first, in 2021, addressed risks related to the presence of hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDDs) in food.
Until July 20, 2023, the new opinion is open for consultation. You participate through this link.
Marta Strinati
Cover image: Chemical additives of plastics. Adverse Health Effects of Plastic.
Professional journalist since January 1995, he has worked for newspapers (Il Messaggero, Paese Sera, La Stampa) and periodicals (NumeroUno, Il Salvagente). She is the author of journalistic surveys on food, she has published the book "Reading labels to know what we eat".
