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
FPF Webinar on prioritizing potential genotoxics in FCMs
Register now for the Food Packaging Forum’s webinar on prioritization of potentially genotoxic substances in printed paper and board food contact materials, to be held on November 26, 2018
Fluorinated chemicals in fast food packaging in U.S.
Scientists demonstrate high prevalence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in U.S. fast food packaging; PFOA found despite phase out announced
Dutch politicians tested for BPA and phthalates
Health advocate Wemos measures BPA and phthalates in Dutch politicians’ urine and asks Dutch government to take action against EDCs
FDA adds 5 substances to food contact inventory
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) adds 5 new entries to Inventory of Effective Food Contact Substance (FCS) Notifications since June 2020