Food Standards Agency update on semicarbazide in glass jars

Wednesday 15 October 2003

Ref: 2003/0423

Following an initial alert in July 2003, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has now updated its scientific view on the finding of a chemical – semicarbazide – in some jars of food. The Food Standards Agency attended a meeting of European Member States yesterday to discuss the most up-to-date information and action required.

It now seems likely that semicarbazide does migrate into food from the plastic gaskets used to seal glass jars with metal twist-off lids. However, the information about how much of this substance can get into food is still extremely limited, as is the evidence on the possible health risks.

The expert European panel has said that there is evidence from animal studies that semicarbazide is a weak carcinogen but, because of the limited evidence, it is not possible to conclude whether or not semicarbazide may pose a cancer risk to humans (1). The risk, if any, according to the panel, is judged to be very small, both for infants and adults.

Food Standards Agency Chair Sir John Krebs said: 'There is considerable uncertainty about the possible risks from semicarbazide. Because of this we have made clear to the European Commission and the food industry that alternative methods for sealing jars of food should be developed as a precautionary measure. However, this needs to be done without compromising the very high safety standards that apply to the production of food in jars. In addition, further work needs to take place to understand the risks from semicarbazide.

'On the basis of the current limited and inconclusive evidence, the Food Standards Agency is not advising against eating food in jars. However, these jars are commonly used for baby food and so parents may understandably be concerned by the continuing uncertainty, which may lead some parents to choose alternative food for their babies. Advice on feeding your baby is available on the FSA website.

'As more information becomes available, we will publish further advice if it is needed.'

Urgent work is taking place to produce more scientific data and to develop greater understanding of the limited information currently available. This includes the development of a reliable method of analysis for measuring semicarbazide in food as well as work to understand any possible health risks.

To read the statements published by EFSA today, go to the EFSA website.

More information and advice is available via the link below.

Notes to editors
1. The European Food Safety Authority has today published two statements regarding semicarbazide:
a) Statement of the Scientific Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing aids, and Materials in Contact with Food: Updating the advice available on semicarbazide in packaged foods. b) Ad Hoc Expert Group: Additional advice on semicarbazide, in particular related to baby food.