Background

This is a paper for discussion. This does not represent the views of the Committee and should not be cited.

1.            During 2024, COT statements have been published on:

• Bamboo,
• Aircraft Cabin Air,
• Turmeric and curcumin,
• Green Tea Catechins,
• Lead in the maternal diet,
•  Microplastics: Inhalation route,
• Raspberry leaf tea in the maternal diet,
• Titanium dioxide (E171),
• Vitamin D in formula fed children,
• Bisphenol A.

2.            A joint statement with FCM JEG was published on tetra-methyl Bisphenol F Diglycidyl Ether (TMBPF-DGE).

3.            An interim position paper has also been published on:

• Chitosan in bio-based food contact materials.

4.            COT opinions are frequently cited by the relevant Government Departments and Agencies in dealing with correspondence.

5.            The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) routinely uses the Committee’s conclusions and opinions in risk assessments following food safety incidents, drinking water exceedances, responding to queries from consumers or members of the public and in assessing emerging risks. For instance, COT advice was used by the FSA in a recent incident involving mis- labelled infant formula.

6.            This paper contains brief information on other actions taken subsequent to completion of recent COT discussions. This should be read in conjunction with the draft text of the Annual Report (paper TOX/2025/06), which provides the background.