SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) are chemical substances identified as particularly hazardous, as they can have harmful effects on human health and the environment. These substances are included in the ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) candidate list and are monitored for possible future authorization for use.
A substance can be classified as SVHC if it meets one of the following criteria:
- Carcinogenicity (may cause cancer),
- Mutagenicity (may alter DNA),
- Reproductive toxicity (may damage fertility or the fetus),
- Persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity (substances that do not readily degrade in the environment, accumulate in organisms and are toxic),
- Other similar concerns (substances that may cause harm to health or the environment, but do not fall into the categories mentioned above).
Substances included in the candidate list may be subject to information requirements and, in some cases, authorisation for use.
SVHC and packaging
With regard to the use of SVHC substances in packaging materials and products, packaging producers and importers must comply with some requirements set out in the REACH regulation: they must ensure that all chemical substances present in the packaging are registered, evaluated and, if necessary, authorised; if a package contains an SVHC substance in a concentration higher than 0.1% by weight, the producer or importer must inform the users of the packaging and provide information on the substance, including its identification and any risks to health and the environment.
Companies should try to reduce the use of SVHC substances in packaging, adopting safer alternatives or optimising production processes. This is to reduce the risk of damage to human health and the environment and ensure compliance with European regulations.
SVHC and food packaging
The obligations for SVHC substances must also be respected for food packaging.
Food packaging may contain SVHC substances (such as plasticizers, colorants, stabilizers or additives) which, if released into the food, could pose a risk to human health. If a SVHC substance is present in concentrations above 0.1% by weight in the packaging material and can migrate into the food product, there may be a risk to the consumer.
The risk assessment of SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern), as well as all other substances considered potentially dangerous, in food packaging is a fundamental part of safety management and compliance with European regulations, in particular food safety legislation, such as Regulation (EC) 1935/2004.
Detection and identification of SVHC substances
The first step in the risk assessment is to identify whether there are any hazardous substances in the food packaging. If there are any SVHCs among them, this involves:
- Materials Analysis:
Examine the materials used to produce packaging, such as plastic, paper, metal, varnishes and adhesives. - Consultation of the candidate list:
Check whether some of the substances used in the materials are included in the candidate list, which is constantly updated by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). - Migration risk assessment:
One of the crucial steps in the risk assessment is to determine whether the SVHC substance migrates from the packaging material to the food in quantities that may be dangerous to human health. Migration is influenced by various factors, including the type of packaging, conditions of use, chemical properties of the substances.
Conclusions
Risk assessment of hazardous substances, including SVHCs, in food packaging is a complex process that requires a combination of chemical analysis, migration testing and compliance with food safety regulations. Companies must ensure that packaging does not release hazardous substances in quantities that could compromise consumer health and food, managing risks through preventive measures, such as the use of appropriate materials and continuous verification of compliance with current legislation.
