New Report Provides Overview of Approaches for Analysing Non-Intentionally Added Substances (NIAS) from Food Contact Materials (FCMs)

 

Non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) are an emerging concern for food safety regulators, food manufacturers, and consumers alike. NIAS are chemical substances that are not deliberately added to food, but are present as impurities or contaminants in food contact materials (FCMs) such as packaging, coatings, and processing equipment. These substances can migrate from FCMs into food and potentially pose a risk to human health.

To address this concern, a new report titled "Overview of Approaches for Analysing NIAS from FCMS" has been released by a team of food safety experts. The report provides an overview of the various analytical approaches that can be used to detect and quantify NIAS in food, as well as the challenges and limitations associated with each approach.

The report notes that there is currently no single method that can be used to analyse all possible NIAS in food. Instead, a combination of targeted and non-targeted analytical approaches may be required to identify and quantify NIAS in food samples. Targeted approaches involve analysing food samples for specific known NIAS, while non-targeted approaches involve using high-resolution analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry to detect and identify unknown or unexpected NIAS.

The report also highlights the importance of using appropriate sample preparation techniques to ensure accurate and reliable results. Factors such as the type of food matrix, the type of FCM, and the analytical method used can all affect the quality of the analytical data.

In addition, the report emphasizes the need for a risk-based approach to assess the potential health risks associated with NIAS. This involves evaluating the toxicity and exposure levels of NIAS in food and determining whether they pose a risk to human health.

Overall, the report provides valuable insights into the challenges and complexities associated with analysing NIAS in food. It highlights the need for ongoing research and development in this area, as well as the importance of collaboration between regulators, industry, and the scientific community to address this emerging food safety concern.

In conclusion, the report "Overview of Approaches for Analysing NIAS from FCMS" is a valuable resource for food safety professionals, researchers, and regulators working to ensure the safety of the food supply chain. The report provides an important overview of the various analytical approaches that can be used to detect and quantify NIAS in food, as well as the challenges and limitations associated with each approach. By using a combination of targeted and non-targeted approaches, and applying a risk-based approach to assess the potential health risks associated with NIAS, it is possible to better understand and manage this emerging food safety concern.