International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies melamine as possibly carcinogenic to humans
BPS affects maternal behavior
Exposure of pregnant and lactating mice to human-exposure-relevant dose of bisphenol S (BPS) impairs maternal behavior, what can lead to lower offspring survival; behavioral effects also seen in daughters of exposed mice
Melamine migration from bamboo tableware in China
Study explores the migration of melamine, a suspected carcinogen, and its derivatives from tableware made with melamine-formaldehyde resin or melamine combined with bamboo or wheat straw, purchased in China; 35% of bamboo tableware samples exceeded China’s specific migration limit for melamine; many melamine-based products are marketed to children
EU regulation on BPA in FCMs published
EU Commission issues new regulation on the use of bisphenol A in plastic food contact materials, varnishes and coatings, infant ‘sippy’ cups; applies from September 6, 2018
Migration of PAAs from napkins into food
Scientists address migration of primary aromatic amines from colored paper napkins into food; cold water extracts provide reliable estimates of migration into food
Microplastics: linkage to the gut's microbiome and autism spectrum disorder
Scientific study reports that gut passages change polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics morphology and alter human microbial colonic community composition; another study finds polyethylene (PE) microplastics to accumulate in the brain and induce autism spectrum disorder-like symptoms using a mouse model
Non-profit group finds nanomaterials from packaging in food
Non-profit group finds titanium dioxide nanomaterial from packaging in donuts
Plastic industry questions regulation on BPA
American Chemistry Council and PlasticsEurope claim safety of BPA for food packaging based on draft CLARITY-BPA core study; many results of 2nd part of CLARITY-BPA still unpublished
DEHP disrupts insulin signaling
Scientists find that long-term oral exposure of adult rats to the phthalate DEHP disrupts insulin signaling pathways, resulting in the development of insulin resistance
EU plastic FCM regulation amended
European Commission publishes 7th amendment to plastic FCM regulation; inclusion of 6 new substances in Union List; new SML for nickel; food simulants and compliance testing specified; food contact surface area to volume ratio clarified