Brominated Flame Retardants
They are typically added to plastics, textiles, furniture and electrical equipment. BFRs leak into the environment and contaminate the air, soil and water, and they then enter the food chain. Food of animal origin, including fish and shellfish, tends to accumulate BFRs.
Although there is no specific legislation on the levels of BFRs in foods, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in the UK and the European Commission continue to monitor their toxicity and prevalence.
FSA study
The FSA ran an investigation into the occurrence of existing and new BFRs in food between February 2013 and October 2015. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were detected in almost all the analysed food and feed samples. The highest values were found in fish, processed foods and fish feeds.
The report on the investigation is available via the link below:
European Food Safety Authority Scientific Opinions
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has issued several scientific opinions on BFRs based on UK and EU data:
- Polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs): Levels are very low due to discontinued production several decades ago, making them no longer a concern.
- PBDEs: While phased out, PBDEs remain in older products. A 2011 EFSA review found no general concerns, but a 2024 update identified dietary exposure as a health risk.
- Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD): This persistent, bioaccumulative substance is classified as a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) under EU REACH Regulation (No 1907/2006). EFSA considers exposure levels safe for most consumers but notes potential risks for some breastfed infants.
- Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and Brominated Phenols: EFSA has also assessed these compounds.
EFSA’s Scientific Opinions can be found vie the links below: