US FDA Denies Petition On Chemicals Used For Food Packaging
The U.S. Health regulator has denied a petition urging the agency to reconsider its initial denial on a petition seeking a ban of some chemicals used in plastic for food packaging in May last year.
The citizen petition to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sought a ban on the use of eight ortho-phthalates and revocation of the prior sanctioned uses for five ortho-phthalates in food based on alleged safety concerns.
Ortho-phthalates, commonly known as phthalates, are ‘chemicals used in plastic products to make it more durable.’
The FDA currently allows nine phthalates in the production of plastics for food packaging.
The health regulator said; “it has reconsidered the petition and its decision to deny the original petition remains unchanged.”
Reuters/ Mercy Chukwudiebere
