Zurich University of Applied Sciences holds annual food conference on November 23, 2017 in Wädenswil, Switzerland; future trends and challenges in food packaging to be discussed; registration open until November 8, 2017
Assessment of PPSU for baby bottles
Scientists characterize intentionally and non-intentionally added substances in polyphenylsulfone material intended for baby bottles; analytical results and threshold of toxicological concern-based considerations suggest no safety concerns
EFSA FCM working group: 5th meeting
Minutes of the 5th meeting of EFSA’s CEP Panel working group on food contact materials now available online; continues risk-assessing several new FCMs, presents extensive summary of views on the current framework regulation
Exposure risks of nanomaterials not sufficiently understood
Environmental Health Perspectives reviews work of Nano GO consortium, need to develop reliable assays and methods for engineered nanomaterials
Study of implication of new European FCM guidance
EFSA calls for proposal on revised FCM guideline, evaluation of implication on the requirement for submission of toxicological information, restrictions and administrative consequences
EEA report presents pathways toward circular plastics economy
European Environment Agency (EEA) publishes report on plastics, their impact on the environment and climate, and their place in an EU circular economy; three joint pathways for achieving necessary change identified based on smarter use, increased circularity, and renewable raw material
Alternative plasticizer approved by EPA
Non-ortho-phthalate plasticizer listed as Safer Choice chemical, approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency
Assessment of EDC authorizations by ECHA
European Chemicals Agency to work on authorization applications for octylphenol and nonylphenol ethoxylates; both threshold and non-threshold assessment approaches can be considered
Phthalates linked to preterm births
New study finds significant association between phthalate exposure and premature births, France Agence-Presse recommends pregnant women to avoid phthalate exposure
Formaldehyde and melamine migration from tableware
Italian scientists investigate migration of formaldehyde and melamine from children’s tableware made of melaware and other amino resins; specific and overall migration limits exceeded in some products; aging increases migration; migration cannot be predicted from product’s appearance