Germany - Chloropropanols in Food Contact Materials and Toys

​For some years now, the release of chloropropanols in food contact materials made of paper has been the subject of repeated authority complaints in Germany.

Chloropropanols include the substances 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol (3-MCPD) and 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol (1,3-DCP). 1,3-DCP is classified as a category 1B carcinogen under CLP Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008), and 3-MCPD is classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans.

As part of the German nationwide monitoring plan (Bundesweiter Überwachungsplan - BÜp) 2020, the issue was taken up and food contact materials made of paper were checked for compliance with the requirement of the BfR recommendation on the transfer of chloropropanols.