Scientists test paper and board FCMs in 8 in vitro bioassays; all 20 samples showed positive responses in at least one of the assays; chemicals in paper and board FCMs require further investigation to ensure safety
Vote on EDC criteria again postponed
EU Commission’s PAFF Committee discusses EDC criteria but refrains from vote; Member States still in disagreement over Commission’s latest proposal; no new meeting scheduled yet
Vote on EDC criteria scheduled
Next meeting of EU Commission and Member States on revised criteria to identify endocrine disrupters to take place on May 17-18, 2017; vote foreseen despite persisting concerns
EFSA approves two food contact substances
New processing agents do not raise safety concerns for consumers, will be used in various types of plastics
Focus on EDC controversy
Health & Environment article outlines debate around 2012 WHO/UNEP report on EDCs; discusses value of state-of-the-science reviews and need for systematic review methods in complex research problems
EFSA prioritizes substances for setting SMLs
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) panel publishes scientific opinion prioritizing 451 substances for creation of specific migration limits (SMLs) for plastic food contact materials; the 3 identified high priority substances are salicylic acid, styrene, and vinyl laurate
Suggestion for EU FCM regulatory change
Koni Grob of the Official Food Control Authority of the Canton of Zurich publishes two articles proposing a new approach to FCM regulation in the EU; key elements are improved compliance work by industry thanks to better enforcement and dedicated database of approved substances and materials
New safety assessment procedure for unknown NIAS
New safety assessment of unknown non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) in food contact materials (FCM) presented
Overview of use, migration, and hazards of PFAS in food contact materials
Peer-reviewed study provides overview of 68 PFAS in food packaging and other food contact articles; majority of detected PFAS not found in regulatory or industry inventories; PFAS data of FCCmigex dashboard updated
Investors urge major companies to reduce single-use plastic packaging
Investors with over $10 trillion in assets call for urgent action to reduce single-use plastic packaging in the fast-moving consumer goods and grocery retail sectors; cite environmental, climate, and public health threats posed by the entire plastics lifecycle; express concern over the financial risks to companies and investors