EU silicone industry responds to findings of phthalates in baby bottles

The European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) sector group the Centre Européen des Silicones (CES) has responded to recent findings of phthalates in silicone baby bottles (CW 16 February 2012).

Stéphane Content, CES food contact group manager said, "The members of CES were very surprised about the finding of phthalates in silicone baby bottles as organic plasticisers in general and phthalates in particular are not needed for these materials. Hence, CES member companies do not sell silicone products containing intentionally added phthalates nor do they recommend to add these substances."

The chemicals shown to migrate from the silicone bottles, which included phthalates, DIPN, naphthalene and aldehydes, may be present due to contamination during the manufacturing process or from other parts of the bottle not made of silicone, Dr Content explained. "None of them is intentionally used as an ingredient in silicone elastomers nor is their formation expected during the curing process," she said.

Dr Content further stated, "CES members only recommend products for food contact applications which are in compliance with the national positive lists. However, it is beyond their control and responsibility whether the baby bottle manufacturers follow their advice and how much care is taken about the cleanliness of the production site and equipment and the type of packaging material used."



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