The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has released its final reassessment of styrene in food contact materials, concluding that the chemical does not pose a genotoxic risk when ingested. Published in May 2025, the opinion confirms that styrene can continue to be used in food packaging applications—such as yoghurt pots, coffee cup lids, and meat trays—provided a specific migration limit (SML) of 40 µg/kg of food is not exceeded. This reassurance comes as a critical update for manufacturers, packaging suppliers, and compliance professionals monitoring chemical regulations across the value chain.
Styrene: Ubiquity in Packaging and Past Carcinogenicity Concerns
Styrene is a synthetic chemical used primarily in the production of polystyrene plastics and resins. These materials are widely found in disposable packaging, insulation, and food containers. Since the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified styrene as “probably carcinogenic to humans” in 2019, its use in consumer products—especially in food contact applications—has come under scrutiny.
While carcinogenicity refers to a substance’s potential to cause cancer, EFSA’s reassessment focused specifically on genotoxicity—whether styrene can damage genetic material and initiate mutations that could lead to cancer. Oral exposure studies were central to this analysis, aligning with the actual routes of human exposure via food packaging.
EFSA Review Findings and Regulatory Implications
EFSA’s scientific panel reviewed an extensive dossier of new data, including robust oral toxicity studies. The key conclusions were:
- No evidence of genotoxic effects from styrene when ingested
- A safe migration threshold of 40 µg/kg of food
- No risk posed by styrene in food contact materials if the SML is observed
This decision provides a stable regulatory foundation for businesses relying on styrene-based materials. For stakeholders across the supply chain—from polymer manufacturers to food retailers—EFSA’s findings help de-risk compliance strategies and support ongoing use of existing materials under measurable safety limits.
Broader Impact on Industry and Policy Monitoring
This reassessment also reinforces the importance of distinguishing between carcinogenic potential and actual exposure risk in real-world contexts. For professionals working in regulatory affairs, R&D, or sustainability, the EFSA opinion exemplifies how evolving science can recalibrate policy expectations without necessarily triggering substitution or reformulation obligations.
