China Approves New Food-Contact Materials

On January 7, 2021, China National Health Commission (NHC) published approvals for one new food-contact material, two new resins, and expanded use for four food-contact materials. The substances and specifications are listed below.

New Food Contact-Materials and Articles

• 1,3,5-Tris (2,2-dimethylpropanamido) benzene (CAS No. 745070-61-5) for use in polypropylene (PP) at a maximum use level of 0.025% and with a specific migration limit (SML) of 5 mg/kg.

Food-Contact Materials and Articles with Expanded Use

• C.I. Solvent Red 101; Ferric oxide; Iron oxide (CAS No. 1309-37-1) may be used in polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate (PCT) at a maximum use level of 0.3% and subject to a specific migration limit (SML) of 48 mg/kg (as iron). In addition, this substance must comply with the purity requirements for colorant in Appendix A of GB 9685-2016.
• Magnesium hydroxide (CAS No. 1309-42-8) may now be used in Polyoxymethylene (POM) at a maximum use level of 0.07%. The use temperature for POM containing this substance may not exceed 121°C.
• Magnesium aluminum hydroxide carbonate (hydrate) (CAS No. 11097-59-9) may be used in POM at a maximum use level of 0.02%. The use temperature for POM containing this substance may not exceed 121°C.
• Polycyclooctene (CAS No. 25267-51-0) may now be used in ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) plastics at a maximum use level of 8% and subject to a specific migration limit (SML) of 0.05 mg/kg (cyclooctene). EVOH containing this substance is used in a non-food-contact layer of multilayered food-contact articles. The thickness of the PCOE-containing layer may not exceed 100 µm. The use temperature may not exceed 121°C and may not contact infant foods or breast milk.

New Resins

• 1,3-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, polymer with dimethyl 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol and 1,2- ethanediol (CAS No. 35176-78-4) may be used in coatings and coating layers at a maximum use level of 20% (as painting formula) and SMLs of 5 mg/kg (as 1,3-phthalic acid), 0.05 mg/kg (as 2,2-dimethyl-1,3- propanediol), and 30 mg/kg (as ethylene glycol). Coatings containing this substance may not be used in contact with food  20%, infant foods, or breast milk. In addition, the use temperature may not exceed 130° C.
• 1,4-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, 1,4-dimethyl ester, polymer with decanedioic acid, 2,2- dimethyl-1,3-propanediol and 1,2- ethanediol (CAS No. 51382-28-6) may be used in coatings and coating layers at a maximum use level of 9% (as painting formula) and SMLs of 0.05 mg//kg (as 2,2-dimethyl-1,3- propanediol) and 30 mg/kg (as ethylene glycol). Coatings containing this substance may not be used in contact with 20%, infant foods, or breast milk. In addition, the use temperature may not exceed 130° C.