Phthalates
Several ortho-phthalates are endocrine disruptors with reproductive and developmental toxicity. EFSA (2019) set a group TDI of 50 µg/kg bw/day for DBP, BBP, DEHP, and DINP based on reproductive toxicity.
What it is
A class of esters of phthalic acid used primarily as plasticizers (e.g., DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, DnOP). They are not intentional food ingredients.
Not authorized as direct food additives. Migrate into food from food-contact plastics, gaskets, packaging, and processing equipment.
Why it's flagged
- endocrine disruption
- reproductive toxicity
- developmental harm
What regulators actually say
"EFSA established a group tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 50 µg/kg body weight per day for four phthalates: DBP, BBP, DEHP and DINP."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Multiple phthalates revoked from food contact use (FDA 2022); remaining uses under review
European Union — EFSA
Group TDI 50 µg/kg bw/day for DBP, BBP, DEHP, DINP (EFSA Journal 2019;17(12):5838); migration limits in Regulation (EU) 10/2011
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