The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) establishes Human Foods Program, unifying and modernizing certain functions under one program; implementation set for October 1, 2024; FDA is also monitoring PFAS phase-out, with many states implementing bans, and manufacturers switching to non-PFAS alternatives
Latest News
July 8, 2024
Studies confirm hazardous substances in bio-based food-contact materials
Three recent studies explore the chemical safety of bio-based food contact materials (FCMs); current analytical methods fail to detect all hazardous substances in bio-based FCMs, in vitro bioassays are suitable addition; Dutch “eco-friendly” FCMs often contain non-biodegradable components and substances like pesticides and PFAS; migration of allergens found
July 5, 2024
OECD survey: Public favors stronger regulation of harmful chemicals
Global survey carried out by the OECD asks public about attitudes towards chemicals; 75% aware of health risks posed by chemicals; 82% support stronger government interventions
July 4, 2024
FPF comments on proposed US ban of fluorinated plastics
Food Packaging Forum (FPF) submits comments to the US Food and Drug Administration on the food additive petition to remove the authorization of fluorinated polyethylene in food contact materials
June 28, 2024
Regulatory challenges abound for hazardous chemicals in the EU
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) report outlines four key challenge areas concerning chemicals regulation in the EU; discusses protection against most harmful chemicals, particularly those inducing neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, endocrine disruption; underscores the need for data transparency and a “lack of comprehensive information on many substances”, particularly polymers
June 27, 2024
Studies highlight presence of antioxidants in Chinese food contact materials
Recent studies explore the presence and migration of diverse synthetic antioxidants in Chinese food contact materials (FCMs); both phosphite antioxidants and synthetic phenolic antioxidants are commonly found; typically, FCMs contain several mg of synthetic antioxidants per kg FCM; several of the commonly found antioxidants are suspected endocrine disruptors
June 25, 2024
Japan preparing food contact material regulation for June 2025 enforcement deadline
Japan finalizes structure of positive list for synthetic polymer containing utensils, containers, and packaging for food contact; lists 21 approved polymer types and 827 approved additives; consultation on additional additives ongoing; positive list system must be fully implemented by manufacturers by June 2025
June 24, 2024
Study finds metabolism- and endocrine-disrupting chemicals present in plastic food packaging can migrate
A recent study explores the diversity of chemicals migrating from food contact articles into food simulants; 73% of extractable chemicals also migrated to food simulants; only 2% could be matched to currently known plastic chemicals; all migrates activated nuclear receptors, may disrupt metabolism or the endocrine system; migrates from PUR, PVC and LDPE contained more chemicals than other tested polymers and were more toxic
Food Packaging & Health
Regrettable substitution & the precautionary principle
When chemicals are assessed and regulated individually, the ones found…
Plastic recycling
Plastic recycling processes, regulations, market data and safety issues addressed
Bioassays
Rapid and cost-effective non-animal-based in vitro bioassays can be used…
Circular economy
A circular economy seeks to maintain the value of products…
Microplastics
Microplastics are an invisible form of plastic pollution; effects on…
Migration modeling
Mathematical modeling of chemical migration from food packaging into food…
Non-intentionally added substances (NIAS)
NIAS occur in all types of food contact materials, are…
Mineral oil hydrocarbons
Mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOHs) are commonly measured in food and…Dossiers
FPF dossiers are thoroughly researched by trained scientists. They provide in-depth background information about different topics pertinent to food contact materials and health. The dossiers compile scientific knowledge, market data and regulatory background in an easily accessible format. Dossiers include available data on chemical migration into food and effects on human health.
The Food Packaging Forum Foundation
The Food Packaging Forum Foundation (FPF) is a science communication organization. It is a charitable foundation based in Zurich, Switzerland. FPF provides independent and balanced information on issues related to chemicals in food packaging and other food contact articles, and their impact on health. FPF’s work addresses professional stakeholders, including business decision makers, regulators, scientists, media and communication experts. FPF is not a grantmaking foundation.
Fact sheet
Food packaging and human health
Food packaging is highly essential for protecting and handling food from farm to fork. However, packaging and other types of food contact articles are also a source of chemical contamination of food. The Food Packaging Forum’s fact sheet explains the most important aspects and provides resources for reducing chemical exposures.
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