On November 18, 2025, the China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA) opened a public consultation on two new varieties of food-related products, including polyvinyl alcohol.
In line with the Provisions for the Administrative License of New Varieties of Food-Related Products and the Regulations for the Application and Acceptance of New Varieties of Food-Related Products, both items have passed the expert committee’s technical review. The proposals include:
1. Extension of Use Scope/Limit for Additives in Food Contact Materials
· The permitted use of polyvinyl alcohol is extended to adhesives intended for indirect contact with all types of food.
· Approved conditions of use: room temperature filling (including hot filling, pasteurization, or other heat treatments) followed by long-term storage at room temperature.
2. New Additive for Food Contact Materials and Articles
· Calcium tert-butylphosphonate is proposed as a new additive for polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) materials and articles intended for food contact.
· The additive improves the mechanical, optical, and barrier properties of PE and PP.
· Safety assessments indicate that materials containing this additive are safe for all population groups when used for room temperature filling and long-term room temperature storage.
o Note: Only PP and HDPE articles are suitable for microwave heating under these conditions.
CFSA is now accepting public comments. Written feedback may be submitted via email to biaozhun@cfsa.net.cn by December 18, 2025.
