Contaminated foods with polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) pose a health risk to all age groups. This is the draft conclusion of the scientific opinion by EFSA, which has been released for public consultation.

PBDEs are a class of brominated flame retardants (BFRs). They are artificial chemicals used in a wide range of products such as plastics, textiles, and electrical/electronic equipment to make them less flammable. PBDEs can leak into the air, water, soil, food, and feed.

These contaminants primarily occur in animal-derived foods such as fish, meat, and milk. From the research conducted on experimental animals, which was evaluated in the opinion project, experts have concluded that PBDEs can have a negative impact on the reproductive and nervous systems.

The CONTAM group recommended the continued monitoring of PBDE presence in food. Specifically, experts requested more data on the occurrence of PBDEs in infant formulas and how these substances are transferred from mother to child during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

EFSA conducted a previous assessment of PBDEs in 2011, which evaluated the risk for individual PBDEs and identified health issues only for young individuals. This latest opinion project takes into account the scientific evidence that has become available since 2011 and assesses the risks associated with combined exposure to some of the most frequently detected PBDEs.

This is the second scientific opinion in a series of six opinions regarding the risks posed by BFRs. The first one was published in 2021, updating the risk assessment of hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDDs) in food.

The EU is making efforts to reduce the risks associated with the use of BFRs. The use of certain BFRs is prohibited or restricted; however, due to their persistence in the environment, there are still concerns about the risks these chemicals may pose to public health.

ECHA recently launched its Regulation Strategy for Flame Retardants, identifying brominated aromatic flame retardants as candidates for restrictions at the EU level. This would minimize human exposure to this class of compounds.