Number

158-EN

Section

General Section

Use

Abstract

Often, playing dough contains a number of hazardous chemicals, which is a problem since children tend to put things in their mouths. This is an alternative dough, produced to be eatable.

Substituted substances

Alternative Substances

Reliability of information

Evidence of implementation: there is evidence that the solution was implemented and in use at time of publication

Reason substitution

CMR
other toxic effects

Other type of alternative

The ingredients of conventional modelling dough are often: boric acid, sulphates, benzoates, borax, fungicides and other preservatives, colorants and fragrances, emulsifiers, lubricants, binders, hardeners or moisturizers, and many other chemicals. Because the manufacturers have no obligation to list the ingredients on the packaging, they are unknown to the end-users. The 'Yummy playing dough' contains: Wheat Flour, Sugar, Whole Egg Powder, Palm Oil, Wheat Starch, Modified Starch, Glucose Syrup, Maltodextrin, Milk Protein, Flavourings and Colouring: Beetroot Red, Curcumin and E 133 (since April 2010)

Hazard Assessment

Substances to be substituted: Boric acid and sodium borates are listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORTplus Screening Criteria (SDSC). They both are substances of very high concern and are included on the REACH candidate list for authorization, according to Article 59 of Regulation (EG) No. 1907/2006. (REACH Regulation). According to ECHA "borates in consumer products" form a group of ten substances, including six sodium borates with, e.g., disodium tetraborate, anhydrous (CAS No. 1330-43-4), boron sodium oxide pentahydrate (CAS No. 12179-04-3) or disodium octoborate tetrahydrate (CAS No. 12280-03-4), all of which have no harmonised classification according to Annex VI of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP Regulation), but are designated as reproductive toxicants of category 1B in the commission's SVHC desicion. Tetraboron disodium heptaoxide, hydrate (CAS No. 12267-73-1) may damage fertility and may damage the unborn child according to the harmonised classification and labelling (ATP17) approved by the European Union. Alternative substances: None of the ingredients of the 'Yummy playing dough' are listed in the SUBSPORTplus Database Screening Criteria (SDSC). Wheat flour, Sugar, whole egg powder, palm oil, wheat starch, modified starch, glucose syrup, maltodextrin, milk protein and the colorants and flavourings beetroot red, curcumin and E 133 are no hazardous substances. However, care should be taken when handling the colouring E 133 (Brilliant Blue FCF). Although deemed safe for use by both the EU and the U.S. Institute of Health there have been reports of allergic reactions among people already suffering from asthma.

Description of Substitution

As you can see from the following link (http://inventors.about.com/od/pstartinventions/a/playdoh.htm), playing dough was invented 1956 as a wallpaper cleaner. The problem started when the wallpaper cleaner was marketed as 'play dough' to kids. Dough is a word that is originally meant to be the description for baking bread, cookies and other. Playing dough is since then one of the best-selling playing concepts.As is generally known children put everything in their mouths, and this cannot always be prevented by parents or guardians. This is particularly critical with those toys which by their consistency, size or smell can make children eat them. This is especially the case for modelling dough, SLIMY, moon dough and other similar soft or paste like substances. We invented Yummy Dough to give parents and kids an alternative product which takes this into account.Yummy Dough is a smooth, kneadable and well malleable dough, which tastes yummy and can be eaten raw or after it is baked. Yummy Dough is produced by one of the leading manufacturers of baking mixes in Germany, RUF Lebensmittelwerke KG, Quakenbrück. It is produced in accordance with strict guidelines (DIN EN ISO 9001, HACCP-concept). The Institute SGS Fresenius performs quality and safety tests on a regular basis. Only the best raw materials are used, and all ingredients are listed on the packaging. Preservatives are not needed because it is always freshly prepared.

Case/substitution evaluation

Many of the substances mentioned here as 'likely to found in playing dough' holds undesirable properties for being in a toy and for being likely to put in the mouth. The alternative is designed to be eatable, and represents a new way of looking at this specific product. This case study is a special achievement, because especially children and infants need our protection and the avoidance of toxic chemicals must have top priority.

State of implementation

Full capacity

Date and place of implementation

2007 Germany, since the 18 countries

Availability ofAlternative

On the market

Type of information supplier

Producer / distributor

Date, reviewed

November 26, 2021