Potentially harmful PFAS in baking paper
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For the ARD Consumer Competence Center, the NDR had the independent Dekra laboratory test Toppits, Fredmann and Priva baking paper for harmful PFAS substances. The laboratory found PFAS of the FTOH subgroup in all three baking papers, most of all in Priva baking paper. Silicone baking mats were also tested for "volatile substances".
The result relates to the FTOH (fluorotelomer alcohol) group, which have water and oil repellent properties. FTOH are highly volatile PFAS. They can quickly pass into indoor air and are suspected of damaging organs and being carcinogenic. There are no limit values for this PFAS group.
PFAS are also known as "eternity chemicals". They are very durable, water-, grease- and dirt-repellent substances that are found in many everyday products. Due to their harmful properties, such as their accumulation in the environment and in the human body, their use is increasingly being restricted and banned in the EU.
Manufacturers are surprised by the findings
The manufacturer Melitta wrote to NDR about the "Toppits" findings: "We have been manufacturing our products without PFAS for many years." Its products are regularly tested by an independent laboratory. Melitta now wants to test the baking papers again itself after the Dekra research institute described some of the Melitta analyses as "no longer up to date".
The Fredmann company is surprised by the result and responds to Markt's inquiry: "Our own rigorously conducted tests show no PFAS contamination of the product."
Netto-Markendiscount writes to Markt about the laboratory analysis of the Priva baking paper: "The product you mentioned is manufactured without the addition of PFAS.
However, there is a possibility that traces of fluorochemicals from natural sources are present in the paper. For example, organic fluorine can be found in wood raw materials (cellulose fibers) and in water."
Silicone baking mats without PFAS but with "volatile substances"
As an alternative to baking paper, Markt also had silicone mats from Temu, Xavax and Kaiser tested. No PFAS were found in any of the products, but so-called "volatile substances" were found. Volatile substances are solvents and additives that are used in the production of silicone.
Stella Merkel, head of testing for food contact materials at Dekra in Stuttgart, explains the problem of volatile substances as follows: "A lot of solvents and additives are used in the production of silicone and these actually have to be expelled and if they are not expelled enough, then (...) these substances pass into the food."
In the silicone mat from Xavax, the result was just above the actual limit value.
However, there are tolerance limits because measurement inaccuracies can occur. The product may therefore continue to be sold. Xavax writes to the market about the test result:
"According to the technical documentation available to us (test report from TÜV Rheinland), the product fulfills both the applicable EU requirements for products with food contact, including the applicable BfR recommendations, which are considered state of the art with regard to FCM made of silicone." However, they are taking the NDR investigation as an opportunity to conduct new tests.
The Kaiser and Temu products are within the permitted limits.
Note: This article has been translated using a computer system without human intervention. LUMITOS offers these automatic translations to present a wider range of current news. Since this article has been translated with automatic translation, it is possible that it contains errors in vocabulary, syntax or grammar. The original article in German can be found here.
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Topic world Food safety
Food safety is at the heart of the food and beverage industry. It ensures that the food we eat every day is not only nutritious, but also free of harmful contaminants. From field to plate, the industry monitors and regulates every step of the process with strict quality controls, advanced testing methods and continuous research.
Topic world Food safety
Food safety is at the heart of the food and beverage industry. It ensures that the food we eat every day is not only nutritious, but also free of harmful contaminants. From field to plate, the industry monitors and regulates every step of the process with strict quality controls, advanced testing methods and continuous research.