Press release -
EU Commission reviews fragrance allergens program
The first Annual Review of the IDEA Project (International Dialogue for the Evaluation of Allergens) was held in Luxembourg under the auspices of DG SANCO (Directorate General Health & Consumers).
The IDEA project, endorsed by the EU Commissioner for Health, Tonio Borg, is a multi-stakeholder process designed to provide a broadly agreed and transparent framework for assessing fragrance sensitizers globally. It is an opportunity to build partnerships between the international fragrance industry and its stakeholders to improve the risk assessment of those fragrance ingredients identified as allergens, leading to better consumer protection.
IDEA consists of a series of workshops bringing leading international scientists together to reach consensus on improving existing methodologies. Recommendations made at the workshops are then followed up with industry or research projects. Every year, since this is a long-term project, an Annual Review will take place to monitor and validate progress and update the program and priorities.
“We are striving for mutual understanding by creating a transparent platform for communication and bringing together diverse views from all stakeholders to collectively define actions for the future,” explained Pierre Sivac, IFRA President.
“This project requires a lot of hard work from everyone involved; the EU Commission, the wider scientific and medical communities who are participating, the experts from industry and the small, dedicated team at IFRA,” said Sivac.
“We believe in this dialogue and we believe that together we can develop globally acceptable risk assessment approaches for all substances suspected of being skin sensitizers, ultimately broadening the scope beyond fragrance allergens. This will enable regulators around the world to implement effective risk management measures ensuring the safe enjoyment of fragrances for consumers.”
The EU Commission states that; “This event will be the appropriate platform to monitor the progress made, exchange views, update the program and priorities for future work to ensure consumer safety in the area of fragrance allergy whilst providing a framework for innovation and competitiveness for the EU cosmetic industry.”
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The International Fragrance Association, founded in 1973, represents the interests of the fragrance industry worldwide. IFRA comprises seven multinational Regular Members and 21 national associations in four global regions representing hundreds of small and medium-sized fragrance ingredient manufacturers, as well as supporting members. Its mission is to promote the safe use of fragrance for everyone’s enjoyment.
Fragrances are a key platform technology used by consumer goods companies – for fine fragrances, personal care products, household care and more.
IFRA’s flagship safe use program, the IFRA Standards, applies safety management measures based on scientific assessment and the evaluations of an independent Expert Panel. The program is at the heart of the IFRA Code of Practice, which applies to all IFRA members globally, including members of IFRA’s 21 national associations. The Code also requires members to abide by local, national and international regulation, and to apply good manufacturing practices.
