Non-governmental organization emphasizes five important aspects for the European Commission to consider when developing chemical strategy; includes creating industry incentives, focusing on hazards from intrinsic chemical properties, supply chain transparency, and closing regulatory gaps
Risk evaluation of RASFF notifications
EFSA proposes methodology for evaluating risks posed by food contaminants detected in RASFF, addresses toxicological properties and dietary exposure, develops Rapid Assessment of Contaminant Exposure (RACE) tool
ECHA identifies PFOA and 5 other substances as Substances of Very High Concern
ECHA’s Member State Committee agrees to place six substances on candidate list for Substances of Very High Concern
Behind the barrier: Complex reality of paper and board packaging functionalization
Dossier discusses potentially misleading «eco-friendly» claims on paper and board packaging, plastic coatings are often used for functionalization: e.g., durability, grease-, water-, and gas -resistance; some alternatives exist but are not yet widely adopted or approved for food contact; recommends prioritizing reusable packaging and enforcing policy changes to eliminate PFAS and misleading marketing claims
Member States continue discussion on EDC criteria
DG SANTE publishes latest meeting minutes on revised EDC criteria; no agreement yet among Member States
EU authorization of PET recycling for FCMs coming soon
Euractiv article discusses imminent authorization of plastic recycling processes for food contact by EU Commission; concerns about chemical contamination and migration remain; adoption foreseen by end of 2018
A new roadmap to transform the European chemical industry
European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) and European Commission publish roadmap to incorporate EU goals for the green and digital transformation into the chemicals sector by 2050; defines nearly 200 actions for the chemical industry with technological investments, and regulatory steps necessary; implementation expected to begin spring 2023
Beyond Plastics report provides overview and critiques of bioplastics
Report by Beyond Plastics introduces terminology, current regulations and certifications, data on toxicity, waste management options, and considerations for policymakers; criticizes voluntary standards overseen by industry groups; notes bioplastics can be just as toxic as conventional plastics; offers guidance and checklist for businesses to ask suppliers
Reaction to public consultation on EDC criteria
CHEM Trust responds to EU Commission’s public consultation on EDC criteria; urges EU institutions to change Commission’s proposal to better protect people and wildlife
New Chinese standards for inks and adhesives coming soon
China National Centre for Food Safety Risk Assessment drafts new standards for food contact adhesives and printing inks, revises other existing standards