EFSA Reassures Industry on Styrene Safety in Food Packaging After Genotoxicity Review

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.