Regulatory News
ALARM ON ITX, 2- ISOPROPYL THIOXANTHONE
ITX was detected by the Italian Food Control Authority in quantities ranging from 120 to 300 ppb migrating in baby milk from packaging printed with the use of UV-curing technology. ITX was also found at the level up to 450 ppb in growing-up milk (for children of more then 12 months of life), from the same source. Other findings in milk and soy-based products not specifically intended for babies showed levels up to 300 ppb.
ITX, together with 2-ethylhexyl-4-dimethylaminobenzoate (EHDAB) is widely used as photo-initiator in UV-curable inks since many years. Nevertheless the Italian Authorities raised concerns as the potential toxic properties of both the above-mentioned substances, that triggered a major crisis that hit the entire printed packaging sector.
Nestle and Tetrapack, producing respectively the milk and the packaging material where ITX was found, were forced to withdraw millions of consumer's units from the market.
EFSA, the European Food Safety Authority, was asked to release an opinion on ITX and EHDAB based on the available knowledge of migration levels and toxicological properties. The opinion was delivered on December 7th, 2005, and concluded that while EHDAB do not pose concerns due to small level of exposure, no conclusions can be drawn relative to ITX since (a) the level of exposure cannot be considered negligible, especially for babies and young childrens, and (b) although toxicological data lead to the conclusion that ITX is not a genotoxic substance, results are somewhat contradictory and do not allow further comments.
Measures for market withdrawal of ITX- containing packaging are still active in Italy and, although negative press campaign has decreased in the Christmas period, the level of alarm at food industries is still very high.
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