Styrene is a monomer mainly used in the production of polystyrene (PS) and other styrene polymers (EPS, SAN, etc.). These plastics are used in the production of food contact materials, such as disposable cups, yoghurt pots and meat and fish packaging.

Currently, styrene (FCM No 193) is included in the positive list of Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, without a specific migration limit (SML) or other restrictions. The European Commission tasked EFSA with determining whether styrene, when ingested orally from plastic packaging, poses a risk to public health if an SML of 40 µg/kg of food were to be maintained.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recently published a comprehensive re-evaluation of the potential genotoxicity of styrene in plastic materials that come into contact with food. All available data were reviewed, including in vivo animal studies, toxicokinetic analyses and previous evaluations of exposure via food.

EFSA's conclusion is reassuring: there is no evidence that styrene causes genotoxic effects when exposed orally. Animal studies, even at high doses, showed no DNA damage or other evidence of genotoxicity. EFSA therefore confirms that the use of styrene in food contact plastics does not pose a health risk, provided that migration to food remains below the limit proposed by the European Commission.

The proposed SML of 40 µg/kg food provides a clear safety limit. Compliance with this limit protects consumers, while allowing the use of styrene in certain plastic products to continue. For manufacturers, this re-evaluation provides clarity and certainty: plastic products containing styrene can be produced and marketed as long as the established migration limits are respected.

This evaluation is also of great importance to regulators. It provides a scientific basis for safety standards and monitoring, ensuring that decisions on the use of styrene are based on the most up-to-date and reliable data. For consumers, it confirms that everyday plastic packaging, when used correctly in accordance with regulations, does not pose a genotoxic risk.

In addition, EFSA emphasises that compliance with migration limits remains essential. Companies must carefully monitor production and quality control to keep styrene levels within safe limits. The assessment demonstrates the importance of combining innovation in packaging materials with strict protection of public health.

In summary, this re-evaluation provides certainty for both industry and the public. Although styrene may be a concern in other contexts, its use in food contact plastics is safe when regulations are followed. Manufacturers, regulators and consumers can rely on this evaluation to make informed choices and ensure the safety of food packaging.

IBE BVI members can request the full report here