World Economic Forum (WEF) webinar features presentations investigating environmental challenges created by COVID-19 pandemic; discusses effects on the shift away from single-use plastics and on ability to recycle, reviews strategies for moving forward
EFSA: polypropylene crate recycling authorized for food contact materials
EFSA publishes opinion to authorize polypropylene crate recycling process “INTERSEROH Step 1” for use as food contact material.
Broader authorization for PHBH
EU Commission notifies next amendment to Regulation (EU) 10/2011 to extend authorization conditions for poly((R)-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-(R)-3-hydroxyhexanoate to be used in manufacturing plastics for contact with all foods
EPA publishes draft report on non-monotonic dose-response, low dose effects
Non-monotonic dose-responses not common, current toxicity testing sufficient concludes US EPA
2019 ILSI NA workshop on FCMs
ILSI North America hosts international conference on scientific advances and challenges in safety evaluation of food packaging materials, April 2-3, 2019; deadline for submitting abstracts is September 14, 2018; registration now open
Plastic particles in seabirds
New study predicts wide-reaching global impact of marine plastic debris on seabirds
UK announces actions to reduce plastic waste
UK’s prime minister calls for plastic bag charge in all UK shops, plastic-free supermarket aisles, tax on single-use plastic items, funding for plastics innovation and aid for developing nations
ECHA to prioritize REACH enforcement
European Chemicals Agency asks national enforcement agencies to prioritize enforcement of REACH evaluation decisions; proposes to review all dossier hazard data for substances above 1 metric ton by 2027
Toxic chemicals and reproductive health
International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics releases statement on effects of toxic environmental chemicals on reproductive health and calls for action to prevent further harm
Plastics and ocean protection
Marine pollution with plastics debris receives increased attention in the media, U.S. government issues new plans to protect oceans