Sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB) - Information sheet

α-D-Glucopyranoside, 6-O-acetyl-1,3,4-tris-O-(2-methyl-1-oxopropyl)-β-D-fructofuranosyl, 6-acetate 2,3,4-tris(2-methylpropanoate)
(SAIB)

Overview

The Government of Canada conducted a science-based screening assessment under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) to address the potential for harm to Canadians and to the environment from sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB).
Under CEPA 1999, the risk posed by a substance is determined by considering both its hazardous properties (its potential to cause adverse human health or ecological effects) and the amount of exposure there is to people and the environment.
The ecological hazard and exposure potentials of this substance were classified using the Ecological Risk Classification of Organic Substances (ERC) Approach.
As a result of the draft screening assessment, the Government is proposing that SAIB is not harmful to human health or to the environment at levels of exposure considered in the assessment.

The screening assessment summarized here focuses on the substance α-D-Glucopyranoside, 6-O-acetyl-1,3,4-tris-O-(2-methyl-1-oxopropyl)-β-D-fructofuranosyl, 6-acetate 2,3,4-tris(2-methylpropanoate), also referred to as sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB), and corresponding to CAS RN 126-13-6. It was assessed under the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP).
SAIB does not occur naturally in the environment.
According to information gathered by the Government, SAIB is used as an adhesive and film forming agent in cosmetics, and is a permitted food additive. It is also listed as an ingredient permitted in natural health products.

Canadians may be exposed to SAIB from the consumption of certain flavored alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, use of cosmetic products such as nail polish, lipsticks, eye shadows, face stickers, temporary tattoos, and specialty makeup products (artificial skin in spray formulations).
According to the information considered under the ERC Approach, SAIB was identified as having low ecological exposure potential.

To inform the health effects characterization in the draft screening assessment, international reports of data on these substances were considered. This included an assessment by the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations/World Health Organization Expert Committee on Food Additives in which Health Canada had actively participated.
Based upon available information, no critical health effects have been identified for SAIB.
According to information considered under the ERC Approach, SAIB was identified as having a low ecological hazard potential.

On the basis of the information presented in the draft screening assessment, the risk to human health from SAIB is considered to be low.
Based upon the outcome of the ERC Approach, SAIB is considered unlikely to be causing ecological harm.
The Government of Canada published the Draft Screening Assessment for Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate on November 14, 2020. The public is invited to comment on the assessment during the 60-day public comment period ending on January 13, 2021.

The Government is proposing that SAIB is not harmful to human health at levels of exposure considered in the assessment, and that it is not entering the environment at levels that are harmful to the environment.

SAIB may be found in products available to consumers. Canadians should follow any safety warnings and directions related to the product and dispose of products responsibly.
The screening assessment focused on potential risks from exposure of the general population of Canada, rather than occupational exposure. Hazards related to chemicals used in the workplace are defined within the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. For information concerning workplace health and safety and what steps to take in the workplace, Canadians should consult their employer and/or the Occupational Health and Safety Regulator in their jurisdiction.