NIAS are chemicals present in food contact materials and articles which have not been added for a technical reason. They include side products, breakdown products, and contaminants. Although more and more NIAS have been identified over time, by far not all are known. Risk assessment and management of NIAS therefore present particular challenges. The updated dossiers

FPF dossier explains chemistry of PFASs, provides information on their use in food contact materials, the regulatory situation and effects on human health.

The dossier article addresses plastic recycling processes and legal requirements that have to be fulfilled for recycled plastic to be used in FCMs. Further, market and recycling data, as well as safety issues, are discussed. A special focus is given to the recycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

Metal cans are coated to protect the cans from degrading due to chemical reactions with the food. Coatings also prevent unwanted chemical interactions in the food, caused by migrating metal ions. In this dossier, we provide information on different types of can coatings for direct food contact. Further, the toxicity and exposure assessment of chemicals

Melamine is used to make resins and tableware, amongst other applications. The dossier summarizes applications, risks and regulations of the substance.

Microplastics have been found in all environmental compartments and in biota. Food is one source of human exposure to microplastics, and initial studies have shown that food packaging and processing equipment can contribute to this contamination. Risk assessment of microplastics that is based on exposure and toxicity data is currently hampered by insufficient data.

Bisphenol A (BPA) finds broad application in epoxy coatings and polycarbonates. Both materials are commonly used in food contact materials. The dossier provides background information about the application, toxicity and regulation of BPA. Furthermore, it includes a short summary of the most debated issues in the research on BPA.

Biobased polymers and biodegradable plastics are both referred to as bioplastics. In contrast to non-degradable petrol-based plastics, materials such as starch-based polymers and polylactides are biobased and compostable under controlled conditions. Types, applications, toxicity and regulation of biobased polymers and biodegradable plastic used in food contact materials are summarized in the dossier.