Research project demonstrates lack of transparency on chemicals in plastic packaging, identifies phthalates as urgent substitution candidates; non-intentionally added substances pose unique assessment challenges
Opinion: More recycling won’t fix plastic problem
Opinion article by The Guardian highlights human health impact of plastic pollution, calls for reducing plastic production and banning classes of hazardous chemicals
World Health Assembly adopts resolution on chemicals, waste, and pollution
Resolution calls on World Health Organization Member States to increase work on potential human health impacts of plastics, links between chemical exposures, and health; recognizes people are exposed to many chemicals but majority have not been well studied
Guidance on packaging definitions
American Institute for Packaging and the Environment publishes guidance document comparing varying definitions that currently exist within packaging materials management
EFSA official considers new independence policy robust
EFSA management board responds to new NGO report, defends EFSA’s new transparency policy
Deciphering the differences in plastic particles reported in foods
Two studies investigate micro- and nanoplastics measured in foods; review the range of reported values and diversity of study methods; make suggestions to standardize research methodologies; one study outlines additional standards the micro – nanoplastics research community needs to develop in order to assist regulators
Advancing recycling of paper cups
Industry initiative “Paper Cup Manifesto” aims to improve recovery and recycling of paper cups
Chemical cocktails harmful to human health
Danish research shows that chemical cocktails often have additive effects, thus even small doses of single chemicals are potentially harmful
Count Down: How Our Modern World Is Threatening Sperm Counts, Altering Male and Female Reproductive Development, and Imperiling the Future of the Human Race
EFSA: Rules for managing competing interests
EFSA publishes rules underpinning its new independence policy; rules to be first applied to renewal of Scientific Panels in July 2018