The article presents the current knowledge regarding the health risks related to the exposure to primary aromatic amines (PAAs), which are found in products designated to come in contact with food. Food safety, including products designated to come in contact with it, is one of the elements of health care policy adopted by the member states of the European Union (EU) in the broad context of public health. Materials either used for packaging or as their own entity, appliances, tableware, kitchenware or other products intended to come in contact with food must meet the requirements outlined in the legal regulations operating in the EU, and in the law of its member states. Diversity of raw materials in products coming in contact with food makes them a causal factor in the contamination of food with substances that are harmful to health. In an attempt to protect food and guaranteeing its safety, the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) has been established in the EU. This system is used for the exchange of information concerning the hazards detected in food, animal feed, and materials designated for coming in contact with food products. Like food, products that come in contact with it are under official control and the RASFF system. The large-scale use of chemical compounds in the production of articles which come in contact with food entails their significant effect on the safety and health quality of food products. Food contaminated in this manner may have adverse effects on the health of consumers. Health complications may manifest as cancers, congenital disorders, fertility issues as well as damage to the nervous and immune systems. One of the groups of chemical compounds identified in products coming in contact with food includes primary aromatic amines (PAAs).

26.2.2021