German risk assessment institute publishes answers to common questions regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and aluminum, including exposure sources and pathways, health risks, regulatory limits; releases position statement on aluminum intake, recommends avoiding use of uncoated aluminum for food contact
New baseline for BPA exposure?
Environmental Health Perspectives reports on new sublingual BPA study, may set new baseline for BPA exposure
ACC: BPA levels too high to predict egg cell maturation in humans
American Chemistry Council responds to study linking BPA exposure to disrupted egg cell maturation
Chinese TV reports banned plasticizer in plastic food wrap
China Central TV collects plastic wrapped products in supermarkets, finds high levels of DEHA in majority of samples
Migration of chemicals and microplastics from microwavable plastics
Scientists analyze migration of chemicals and microplastics from microwavable food containers; identify dozens of intentionally and non-intentionally added substances and up to over one million microplastics per liter in food simulants; migration partly exceeds Cramer class-based recommendations
Studies confirm hazardous substances in bio-based food contact materials
Three recent studies explore the chemical safety of bio-based food contact materials (FCMs); current analytical methods fail to detect all hazardous substances in bio-based FCMs, in vitro bioassays are suitable addition; Dutch «eco-friendly» FCMs often contain non-biodegradable components and substances like pesticides and PFAS; migration of allergens found
2 additional FCMs to enter REACH authorization list
Member states approve addition to REACH authorization list, publication in EU’s official journal soon to follow
EFSA assesses 2 substances for intelligent and active FCMs
EFSA’s CEF Panel considers basic copper (II) carbonate and citric acid with sodium hydrogen carbonate safe for use in intelligent and active food contact materials under certain conditions
EFSA: New PET recycling process
EFSA’s CEF Panel considers FCMs made from post-consumer PET recycling process ‘San Miguel Industrias PET’ safe for contact with all types of foodstuffs
Toxicity assessment of sol-gel coatings
Scientists assess sol-gel coatings on polycarbonate plastics; migration found below the overall migration limit; no genotoxicity or estrogenicity in vitro