EU Safety Assessment of 2‐methyloxolane as a Food Extraction Solvent

On March 15^th, 2022, the European Food Safety Authority on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes and Processing Aids (CEP) published the “Safety assessment of 2‐methyloxolane as a food extraction solvent” in accordance with Article 29(1)(a) of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002.

The document indicates the following:

• To assess the safety of 2‐methyloxolane as an extraction solvent under the intended conditions of use and the maximum residue limits (MRLs) proposed;
• Intended to be used in processes currently applying hexane for oil and protein extraction from plant sources or for extraction of food additives;
• The proposed MRLs are 1 mg/kg in fat, oil, or butter and also for the extraction of food additives, etc.;
• Dietary exposure with the highest potential maximum 95^th percentile for toddlers as 0.32 mg/kg body weight per day;
• Toxicological data shows 2‐methyloxolane metabolized rapidly with a low bioaccumulation potential and does not raise a concern for genotoxicity;
• The solvent does not raise safety concerns when used under the intended conditions and at the proposed MRLs in the extracted foods or food ingredients.

To view the complete safety assessment report, check out the Food News Monitoring System.