A non-intentionally added substance (NIAS) is a substance present in a food-contact material that was not deliberately added for a specific technological purpose but may nevertheless be present because of manufacturing, reactions, degradation, impurities, or other processes.
NIAS can arise during the production, processing, storage, or use of a food-contact material. Examples can include reaction products, degradation products, impurities, contaminants, or substances formed when different components interact.
The fact that a substance is a NIAS does not automatically mean that it is harmful. Its identity, concentration, potential migration, toxicity, and exposure must be considered when evaluating its safety.
QUICK FACT
“Non-intentionally added” describes how the substance got into the material, not whether the substance is toxic.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
- Food-contact substance: a substance intentionally used in the manufacture or formulation of a food-contact material; some NIAS may also fall within broader regulatory definitions depending on the jurisdiction.
- Contaminant: an unwanted substance present in food or another material; NIAS specifically refers to substances associated with food-contact materials.
SEE ALSO