On September 5, 2016, Denmark's environment and food minister called on the European Commission to set maximum levels for fluorinated substances in food packaging, in particular in paper and cardboard. Food contact materials such as paper and cardboard are not yet harmonized at the EU level.
Fluorinated compounds constitute a large group of chemical substances containing organic fluorine that is persistent and bioaccumulative. In addition, several of these substances are suspected to be carcinogenic, immunotoxic, and endocrine disruptors. Denmark has already adopted a recommendation setting out a limit for the total content of organic fluorine in paper and board food contact materials at 0.35 microgram of organic fluorine per square decimeter of paper.
The press release on the Danish strategy on fluorinated substances in food packaging is available here.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.