Abstract Consumers are exposed to a number of substances that could have a detrimental impact on their health. Several food crises at the end of the previous decade highlighted the need for more information about compounds used in food contact materials (FCMs). The current study discussed the issues related to printed paper and board. Afterward, a risk assessment was carried out for the specific class of photo-initiators. The current study illustrates how the Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) approach can be used to perform a preliminary risk assessment of substances migrating from FCM. However, the safety evaluation of these migrants remains challenging.