Phthalates

Phthalates is the name for a group of chemicals that have a variety of industrial uses and are found in a wide range of household and consumer goods. In food packaging, phthalate use is limited mainly to making materials such as adhesives and some printing inks.

Phthalates take a long time to degrade, or break down, in the environment. This means that they may be found at low levels in some foods.

Phthalates are used as a medium to carry other substances that perfume cosmetics. They are present in children's toys, intravenous blood bags and other medical equipment, some paints and vinyl flooring.

What they mean for your health

In recent years, there has been some concern that phthalates may have a harmful effect on human reproductive development, because they have been reported to be endocrine disrupters.

Endocrine disrupters are substances that can interact with hormone systems.

Particular concern has focused on the sex hormones – the female oestrogens and male androgens – because of their important roles in the development of the reproductive system.

Although there is evidence that some wildlife species have been affected by exposure to endocrine disrupters, there is still no conclusive evidence of a link between harmful effects on human reproductive health and exposure to these chemicals.

In animal studies, phthalates have been found to affect the liver, but this is not thought to be a risk for humans at the levels of phthalates that we might consume in food.

Are phthalates avoidable?

It would be difficult to avoid them. Phthalates have been widely used for over 50 years and are found throughout developed communities around the world and in the environment.

What the FSA is doing about phthalates

The Agency is aware of the concerns about the potential toxic effects of phthalates. A large programme of research and surveillance by the Agency monitors the safety of substances in food contact materials, including phthalates, that might harm human health.

The European Commission's Scientific Committee on Food has set limits for the safe use of phthalates in food contact materials, and these are made legally binding by the European Commission's Directives, which are fully enacted in UK food law.

For more information

Contact:
Nasreen Shah
Food Contact Materials Unit
Food Standards Agency
Aviation House
125 Kingsway
London WC2B 6NH