## 1 Introduction  
Food contact materials (FCMs) include all materials (rubber, plastic, metal, ceramics, paper, and ink) that come into contact with food and drinks, such as containers and packaging, and also those used in food processing equipment or transport. Chemicals in FCMs, such as styrene, phthalates, and bisphenol A, could be transferred into the food, water, and drinks we consume. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) evaluates whether there are possible health risks due to such a transfer based on migration and toxicological data and periodically publishes technical reports and scientific opinions on this issue ([[https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/food-contact-materials](https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/food-contact-materials)]([https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/food-contact-materials](https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/food-contact-materials)), accessed on 16 April 2025). In addition, there is a microbiological hazard, since microorganisms in food or water can adhere to the biofilm that forms on FCMs, multiply, and be released in great numbers [1,2]. In recent decades, an increasing level of antimicrobial resistance in microorganisms has been observed, mainly due to the prolonged use of antimicrobial drugs, leading to a crucial problem in public health. Therefore, FCMs could act as vehicles of pathogens, causing antimicrobial resistance and infection [3,4]. For these reasons, new solutions are necessary and there is continuous research for novel materials that meet the characteristics of healthfulness and ease of production and use, according to international regulations (Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004, 2023/2006, and 1381/2019). The term \"elastomer\" combines the words \"elastic\" and \"polymer\". Elastomers are polymeric materials characterized by both elastic and viscous properties that can undergo significant elastic deformations with no fracture. Elastomers can be of synthetic or natural origin, as rubbers are extensively employed not only in industrial uses (e.g., tires, seals, protective gloves, and damping absorbers) [5], but also in food industries and food-producing animal activities [6]. A common application of elastomers is in the drinking water distribution system (DWDS). In this system, materials in contact with water must not alter the natural characteristics of water (smell, taste, and color) and its wholesomeness over time. Furthermore, these materials must not promote microbial growth (i.e., biofilm), avoiding compromising human health directly or indirectly. Additive polymers are used in medicine to create antimicrobial active medical devices to prevent hospital-acquired infections [7]. Previous research of our group [6] evaluated the antimicrobial activity of two different types of nationally patented and internationally patent-pending elastomers (rubber and silicone) and nine formulations against three major dairy cow mastitis pathogens (_Staphylococcus aureus_, _Streptococcus agalacliae_, and _Escherichia coli_), simulating the application of these elastomers in teat liners applied to cow milking machines. Based on the proven antimicrobial action of silver-based molecules and zinc pythionine [8, 9, 10], the positive results of previous work and research published in the literature, such as from [PERSON] and colleagues [11], supported the present study which investigates novel (commercially available from 1 January 2025) elastomers to be used against _Salmonella enterica_ subsp. _enterica_ serovar Enteritidis and _Legionella pneumophila_ in the food industry and DWDSs. Indeed, _Salmonella enterica_ subsp. _enterica_ serovar Enteritidis and _Legionella pneumophila_ are common microorganisms that are involved in foodborne and waterborne infections and play a crucial role in the hygienic-sanitary quality of food production and water distribution [12, 13, 14, 15, 16].