Politico reports the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lacks clear leadership managing food safety in the country, leading to delays and impacting the health of those living in the US; Environmental Working Group study finds nearly 99% of food chemicals added to the US market since 2000 were introduced through the generally recognized as safe (GRAS) rule
FPF Workshop 2020: Values and transparency in science
Kevin Elliott discusses how values can influence scientific judgements or be themselves affected by them; transparency plays an important role in responding to challenges caused by value-laden judgements; contents and venues chosen for transparent communication need to be adjusted according to each stakeholder’s needs
EPR regulations expanded in Canada and US
Canadian province of Ontario expands extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme for paper packaging from covering half of recycling cost to full cost by 2023; adds single-use food packaging to program; legislatures in US states of Maine and Oregon pass EPR legislation that includes food packaging; governors of both states need to sign for bills to become law
Researchers detect microplastics in human semen and heart
Four recent studies assess microplastics: in human semen, heart, from baby food containers, and suitability of in vitro models to investigate human health effects; find microplastics in six out of ten semen samples, find impacts on semen quality; samples from cardiac surgery patients contain microplastics in heart and surrounding tissue; billions of nano- and microplastics released from plastic baby food containers; outline challenges and recommendation of studying plastic particles in vitro
Scientists find phthalates impact development of boys more than girls
Biomonitoring study reports association between maternal phthalate exposure and 24-month-old boy emotional/behavioral problems; short review discusses teratogenic effect and calls for health policies; research article detects phthalates in wide range of US foods, indicates phthalate migration from food processing equipment; review evaluates gas chromatography-based approaches to measure phthalates in aqueous and solid foods
Global Food Contact 2020 virtual conference
The 2020 edition of the Global Food Contact conference organized by Smithers will take place entirely online, be spread across four half-day sessions on July 14, 15, 21, and 23
Consumer perspectives on switching to reusable packaging
Four recent studies explore how to switch to reusable packaging; concerns related to hygiene and return logistics are barriers identified by all studies; cultural and socio-economic factors, the food items, and the setting play major role in the successful rollout; consumer desirability, business viability, sustainability, and technical feasibility are interlocked, and their combined analysis can support the roll-out of reuse systems
GAIA: chemical recycling a distraction not solution
Alliance of non-governmental organizations Global Initiative for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) publishes technical report and research briefing on chemical recycling technologies for plastic waste; identifies limitations related to environmental emissions, carbon footprint, scale-up, economic viability; argues chemical recycling does not fit within circular economy
Scientific consensus statement on food contact chemicals and human health
Group of 33 international scientists publish peer-reviewed statement identifying seven specific areas for improvement, urge decision makers to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals present in food packaging and other contact food contact materials
California to hold virtual workshop on PFAS in food packaging
Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) workshop on August 31, 2020 to receive public input on identifying plant-fiber based food packaging as priority product; report with product-chemical profile published and open for public comment until September 13, 2020