EFSA issues updated risk assessment on flame retardants in food

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has recently published an updated scientific assessment evaluating emerging and novel brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in the food supply.  

Brominated flame retardants are synthetic chemicals traditionally incorporated into consumer goods, industrial equipment, and plastic packaging to meet fire safety standards. Due to their persistent chemical structure and fat-soluble properties, these industrial additives can enter agricultural supply chains and bioaccumulate in food products.  

The new evaluation by EFSA’s Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) focused on 27 emerging and novel BFR substitutes. Based on current dietary intake estimates, EFSA concluded that exposure to assessed compounds—such as BEH-TEBP, EH-TBB, and DBDPE—does not raise health concerns for non-cancer effects at present levels. This differentiates emerging BFRs from legacy compounds like polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), where dietary exposure levels continue to pose health concerns regarding neurodevelopmental and reproductive toxicity.  

However, scientific experts cautioned that significant data gaps remain across many of the newly evaluated replacement substances. Due to limited toxicity and genotoxicity data for several lesser-known compounds, EFSA emphasized the need for ongoing surveillance and expanded monitoring across member states to ensure long-term consumer protection.  

For food business operators, risk profiles remain highest in animal-derived commodities due to the chemical family’s strong affinity for lipids. Meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, and seafood represent the main dietary exposure routes. Furthermore, the industry's shift toward circular packaging solutions presents a potential migration risk, as recycled plastics previously treated with flame-retardant additives could unintentionally re-enter food contact applications.  

To ensure compliance and mitigate potential contamination risks, food safety professionals are encouraged to review hazard controls for high-fat raw materials, verify chemical migration testing with packaging suppliers utilizing recycled polymers, and monitor regulatory developments as European authorities evaluate future maximum residue guidance.    

Source:  

EFSA Journal