Safety assessment of the active substance polyacrylic acid, sodium salt, cross-linked, for use in active food contact materials

This scientific opinion of the EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavourings and Processing Aids (CEF Panel) deals with the safety assessment of the polyacrylic acid, sodium salt, cross-linked, food contact material (FCM) substance No 1015, which is intended to be used as a liquid absorber in the packaging of fresh or frozen foods, such as meat, poultry, seafood, fruits and vegetables. Specific migration tests were not performed due to the high absorption of liquids by the substance. The Panel noted that if polyacrylic acid, sodium salt, cross-linked, is not in direct contact with the food but is placed in a pad and used under conditions where its absorption capacity is not exceeded, then no migration is to be expected and therefore no exposure from the consumption of the packed food is expected. The CEF Panel concluded that the use of this polyacrylic acid, sodium salt, cross-linked, does not raise a safety concern when used in absorbent pads in the packaging of fresh or frozen meat, poultry, fish, fruits and vegetables. The absorbent pads must be used only under conditions in which the absorption capacity of the active substance is not exceeded and direct contact between the substance and the food is excluded.