Food packaging

Phthalates are plasticisers used to increase the flexibility and durability of plastics like PVC. They are found in many household items and throughout the food industry in things like cling film, processing equipment such as gloves and conveyor belts, sealants, and some food packaging. They can even transfer from contaminated water or soil into food.

Phthalates can leach from plastics into food, leading to excessive exposure and posing risks to endocrine and reproductive health.

Health risks associated with phthalates in food

Phthalates take a long time to break down in the environment and appear at low levels in some foods. Research shows that some phthalates can disrupt endocrine health and affect animal hormones and livers, which is why authorities impose tight migration controls to prevent unsafe transfer from food contact materials into food. No conclusive evidence shows these levels have a harmful effect on humans.

Safe limits for phthalates in food

Phthalates are strictly regulated under EU regulation, including the plastics regulation, for materials intended to come into contact with food. This is enforced in Northern Ireland through the Materials and Articles in Contact with Food Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012.

Generally, phthalates can be used in materials that do not come into contact with fatty foods or foods meant for infants or young children. The regulations set maximum limits on phthalate migration into food, restricting their use in certain materials (like plastics), and requiring safety assessments.

The European Food Safety Authority sets Tolerable Daily Intakes (TDIs) for phthalates, the amount of phthalates in food or drinking water that people can safely consume without harm. The European Commission sets legal limits for how much can be transferred from packaging to food. These limits were updated and significantly reduced in July 2023 by Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1442.

Northern Ireland regulations for phthalates in food

Due to the Windsor Framework, Northern Ireland continues to follow many EU rules regarding chemicals and food safety, including the rules on phthalates. This means that food contact materials placed on the NI market must comply with phthalate migration limits set by EU authorities.