The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a scientific opinion on the safety of the substance l-aspartic acid, N-benzoyl-, disodium salt, intended for use in plastic food contact materials. The opinion, released on 28 May 2026, concludes that the substance is safe for consumers under specific conditions of use, but imposes restrictions on migration limits and polymer types.
EFSA's assessment was conducted by its Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes and Processing Aids (CEP). The opinion evaluates the potential migration of the substance from plastic packaging into food and its toxicological profile. The substance is intended as a monomer or additive in plastics, primarily to improve material properties.
Key findings and conditions EFSA concluded that the substance does not raise safety concerns for the consumer if used only in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics and if its migration into food does not exceed 0.05 mg/kg food. The opinion also specifies that the substance should not be used in contact with foods containing more than 15% alcohol, as this could increase migration.
The opinion is based on a dossier submitted by an industry applicant and follows EFSA's standard risk assessment framework. It includes evaluations of genotoxicity, repeated-dose toxicity, and migration data. No new toxicological concerns were identified under the proposed conditions.
Impact on stakeholders For plastic packaging manufacturers, the opinion provides a pathway to use the substance in PET, but the strict migration limit and alcohol restriction may limit its applicability. Food producers using PET packaging may need to verify compliance with the migration limit, particularly for alcoholic beverages. Consumers benefit from the assurance that the substance is safe under the specified conditions. EU regulatory bodies may use the opinion to update the Union list of authorised substances under Regulation (EU) No 10/2011.
Expected institutional follow-up The European Commission is expected to consider EFSA's opinion when updating the positive list of authorised substances for plastic food contact materials. The opinion is not legally binding but serves as a scientific basis for regulatory decisions. Industry stakeholders may submit additional data if they seek authorisation for broader uses.
← Atlas › News › Agri-food