European Commission and European Economic and Social Committee host 2019 conference on circular economy, focus on success stories and new challenges
Phthalates found in diverse array of foods, from coffee to baby formula
Systematic review summarizes phthalate occurrence in different foods, discusses sources, and potential risk; researchers assess how coffee packaging and brewing method affects bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) and di-butyl phthalate (DBP) levels in coffee; perform targeted analysis of 245 plastic additives in baby foods; report widespread contamination including a median of 46.1 ng phthalate esters per gram baby food
BPA and childhood obesity
New study finds association between prenatal BPA exposure and body fat outcomes in New York City children
Forums on sustainability of plastics
Plasticity Forums to discuss sustainable end-of-life solutions for plastics on April 21 and May 9, 2017 in Texas and California, respectively; registration available online
Reproductive nanotoxicology under review
Scientific paper reviews endocrine disrupting effects of engineered nanomaterials
EU health policy platform
EU Commissioner speaks on chronic diseases and ways to prevent them; announces launch of EU health policy platform intended to enable a broad stakeholder dialogue
Extending the use of bioplastics in food packaging
New study reviews the application of bioplastics in food packaging: coating, blending and chemical/physical modification can improve functionality, migration issues still to be resolved
EFSA working group on recycling plastics: 17th meeting
Updated meeting minutes of EFSA’s CEF Panel working group on recycling plastics now available online
Public consultation on marine litter and single-use plastics
EU Commission seeks feedback regarding actions on single-use plastics to reduce marine litter; consultation open until February 12, 2018
EFSA BPA reevaluation: 2nd meeting
EFSA’s CEP Panel Working Group on BPA safety reevaluation holds 2nd meeting; minutes available online