Guest Columnist Jean-Pierre Houri: IFRA and the 40th amendment
by Jean-Pierre Houri, 06 March 2007
Editor's note: Last month we asked Tony Burfield of Cropwatch to comment on IFRA's 40th Amendement. Here we give IFRA's Director General, Jean-Pierre Houri the opportunity to explain the Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) methodology for fragrance ingredients introduced by the 40th amendment.
The International Fragrance Association’s (IFRA) is a global not for profit organization whose members represent about 90% of the worldwide fragrance creation industry. Its main purpose is to promote the safe enjoyment of fragrances, and it represents regional and national fragrance associations worldwide. Membership in IFRA is on a voluntary basis and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as large companies, belong to the national member associations.
Together with the scientific arm, the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM), IFRA ensures usage standards for fragrance materials are put into practice according to all available scientific knowledge, and that all member companies comply.
Standards regarding use restrictions are developed through the IFRA Scientific Committee and are based on safety assessments by REXPAN, the independent Panel of Experts that reviews the findings of the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM). Composed of international scientific experts, the panel includes toxicologists, pharmacologists, pathologists, environmental scientists and dermatologists with no commercial ties to the fragrance industry. Evaluations use all existing data, and where existing data are insufficient, RIFM commissions additional testing performed by independent laboratories and universities. The transparency of this approach is evident in publication of results and conclusions in peer-reviewed, accredited scientific journals.
The Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) represents scientific progress in assessing the safety of fragrances and fragrance ingredients because it incorporates significant developments in the way dermal sensitization risk assessments are conducted. This new methodology specifically addresses the elements of exposure-based use that are unique to the induction of dermal sensitization, while being consistent with the principles of risk assessment widely applied in general toxicology.
Under current risk management strategies used by IFRA, each specific fragrance ingredient identified as a potential allergen is limited to the same concentration across all skin contact product types. The QRA distinguishes among 11 categories of end use applications and defines safe use levels of fragrance ingredients for each one. In practice, this means that the consumer is better protected because of appropriate product use-based exposures. This places restrictions on ingredients in formulations, yet allows perfumers more flexibility in creation.
All ingredients, natural or synthetic, must be evaluated for safety at the appropriate level of use, based on rigorous science. Natural ingredients cannot automatically be considered safe solely based on their sources.
IFRA has established self-regulation practices and implemented a Code of Practice and safety standards with the objective of protecting consumer health and the environment. The approach includes collaboration with policy makers, scientists and other stakeholders in order to obtain the best possible regulatory framework - one that protects both the consumers and the environment while allowing development of the industry. Research and development, and sound scientific findings, are key to IFRA’s policies. A recently implemented Compliance Program will further strengthen those practices.
IFRA encourages collaboration among responsible organizations that base considerations on scientific elements and promote the safe enjoyment of fragrances by all without detriment to the environment and human health.
Information on IFRA, its Standards and Code of Practice are disseminated to all interested parties. More information can be found at www.ifraorg.org
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