Scientific Opinion on the safety assessment of the active substances, palladium metal and hydrogen gas, for use in active food contact materials

This scientific opinion of EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavourings and Processing Aids deals with the safety assessment of the active substances palladium metal (CAS No 7440-05-3, FCM No 993) and hydrogen gas (CAS No 1333-74-0, FCM No 1038), which are intended to be used as an oxygen scavenger in packages of foods and beverages at room temperature or below. The active article is designed as a gas permeable but liquid impermeable laminated pad, which is placed within a cap or closure or as an adhesive label on tray lids. The palladium metal is not in direct contact with the food being separated from it by different layers of passive materials. The specific migration of palladium metal into conventional food simulants was not detected at the limit of quantification of 0.6 µg/kg. Palladium was considered to be non genotoxic and of no toxicological concern under a low exposure level resulting from a concentration up to 50 µg/kg food in a previous evaluation (EFSA CEF Panel, 2012). Based on these previously drawn conclusions and given the intended conditions of use leading to non-detectable migration, the CEF Panel concluded that the active substances palladium and hydrogen do not raise a safety concern for the consumer when used as an oxygen scavenger in packages for foods and beverages at room temperatures or below. Palladium should not be in direct contact with food and should be incorporated in a passive structure impermeable to liquids which prevents the migration at detectable levels.