Opinion of the AFC Panel related to semicarbazide in food

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), on 6 July 2005, adopted a new opinion on the occurrence and risks associated with the chemical substance semicarbazide (SEM) in food. This followed earlier advice issued in 2003. The occurrence of SEM in foods, including baby foods, packaged in glass jars and bottles, was first discovered by industry and its origins were traced to the breakdown of azodicarbonamide, the foaming agent in the plastic gaskets that are used to seal metal lids to glass packaging.

• Primary Source

European Food Safety Authority: Press Release, 1.7.05 http://www.efsa.europa.eu/press_room/press_release/1006/pr_afc_semicarbazide_en1.pdf

European Food Safety Authority: Press Release, 1.7.05 http://www.efsa.europa.eu/press_room/press_release/1006_en.html

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