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)

Publications summarized:

The Government of Canada conducts risk assessments of substances under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) to determine whether they present or may present a risk to human health or to the environment.

The risks posed by a substance are determined by both its hazardous properties (potential to cause adverse human health or ecological effects) and the amount or extent of exposure to people and the environment.
When needed, the Government implements risk management measures under CEPA 1999 and other federal acts to help prevent or reduce potential harm.

The ecological hazard and exposure potentials of this substance were classified using the Ecological Risk Classification of Organic Substances (ERC) Approach.
No critical health effects were identified for SAIB. As a result of the screening assessment, the Government concluded that SAIB is not harmful to human health or to the environment at levels of exposure considered in the screening assessment.

The screening assessment focused onthe 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.
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.

The screening assessment indicated that Canadians may be exposed to SAIB from the consumption of certain flavored alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, use of cosmetics such as nail polish, lipsticks, eye shadows, face stickers, body 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 screening assessment, international reports of data on this substance 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.

There are groups of individuals within the Canadian population who, due to greater susceptibility or greater exposure, may be more likely to experience adverse health effects from exposure to substances.
Certain subpopulations are routinely considered throughout the screening assessment process, such as infants, children, and people of reproductive age. For instance, developmental and reproductive toxicity studies are evaluated for potential health effects. These subpopulations were taken into account in the screening assessment.

On the basis of the information presented in the 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 concluded that SAIB is not harmful to human health at levels of exposure considered in the screening assessment, and that it is not entering the environment at levels that are harmful.

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.
Use the Substances Search tool to find substances that are referenced in certain legislative or regulatory instruments or on Government of Canada websites.
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 (WHMIS). For information concerning workplace health and safety and what steps to take in the workplace, Canadians should consult their employer or the Occupational Health and Safety Regulator in their jurisdiction.