New study reviews literature on phthalate exposure and diet, estimates infant exposure to DEHP to exceed US EPA’s reference dose
FPF Workshop 2020: Scientific research and policy making
Six speakers share their views on how to improve food contact material (FCM) safety; different approaches might complement one another; linking scientific research, policy making and industry initiatives could be the key to safe FCMs
Many questions surround microplastics, what about micro(bio)plastics?
Literature review of micro- and nano(bio)plastics research; scrutinizes the complexities of micro- and nano(bio)plastics degradation and their toxicological effects; highlights gaps in long-term impact studies and interactions with environmental conditions; challenges the assumption that «biodegradable» means complete degradation; calls for greater transparency in research practices to bolster collective understanding
US National Academy of Sciences urges redo of EPA’s draft risk paper
US National Academy of Sciences criticizes EPA report on adequacy of toxicity testing for non-monotonic dose-responses
Microplastics impacts on the reproductive system and offspring
Scientists report human-relevant polystyrene (PS) microplastic concentrations change mice placental metabolism; show nanoplastics have variable effects on placental enzymes using simulations; find pre- and postnatal PS microplastic exposure affects male mice testis development and fertility; recommend future research to analyze multigenerational effects
EFSA: Sharing models and tools
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) provides public access to its scientific models and tools through the Knowledge Junction community and Statistical Models platform; aims at ‘improving transparency, reproducibility and evidence reuse’
EFSA working group on FCMs: 24th meeting
Updated meeting minutes of EFSA’s CEF Panel working group on FCMs now available online
Wrestling with the externalities of the plastics supply chain
As the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiation Committee of the UN Global Treaty to End Plastic Pollution approaches, publications highlight the diverse effects the plastics supply chain has on human health and the environment, particularly the burden on vulnerable communities
Documentary about EDCs and brain development
TV channel Arte screens documentary highlighting effects of endocrine disruptors on brain development and function, November 11, 2017
Measuring trade-offs between packaging waste and food waste
Australian Fight Food Waste Cooperative Research Center surveys consumer perceptions of packaging’s role in encouraging or preventing food waste; United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) breaks down results from 33 life cycle analyses comparing packaging and food waste; makes structured recommendations for when packaging or food waste costs are higher based on food type, consumer and regulatory support, and strength of local waste management systems