Scientists detect dozens of volatile and non-volatile substances migrating from ‘bamboo’ food packaging; melamine migration exceeding specific migration limit; conclude bamboo-melamine articles ‘a risk to consumer’s health,’ their promotion as biodegradable ‘a fraud to consumers’
BPA still in some Danish tomato cans
Danish Consumer Council finds BPA in 2 and BADGE in 4 out of 13 food can coatings; use of BPA in can coatings seemingly decreased since 2016
New standard test method to identify plasticizers
ASTM International publishes method to ensure compliance with US phthalate migration standard
Carcinogenic potential of BPA
Scientists review carcinogenic properties of bisphenol A; propose that BPA be classified as ‘probably carcinogenic to humans’ due to its tumor promoting properties in the breast and prostate
Perchlorate found on European fruit and vegetables
German TV channel analyzes European food samples for chemical contaminant perchlorate, authorized for food contact in the US
Can phthalates make you fat?
New study investigates metabolic effects of DEHP exposure in mice in vivo and in vitro; increased weight gain and fat mass, impaired insulin tolerance and changes in serum metabolites observed
DG Sante webinar on BPA restriction in food contact
Directorate General for Health and Food Safety (DG Sante) explains the ban of bisphenol A in food contact materials in the EU and discusses what comes next; ban will only affect “intentional use”; comes into force late 2025 or early 2026
ECHA conference and Helsinki Chemicals Forum
European Chemicals Agency hosts conference on current priorities for chemical regulations in the EU; annual international forum hosts multi-stakeholder discussions on risk management options, chemical grouping, plastics and circularity, and access to data
Study finds EU guidance could help identify other EDCs
Scientists from Danish Technical University (DTU) assess butylparaben according to EU guidance for assessment of pesticides; find that approach positively identifies butylparaben as endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) even with different data availability; suggest guidance could be applied to wide range of chemicals to identify other EDCs
Guide for retailers on implementing safer chemicals and materials
Clean Production Action publishes guide to help retailers create chemicals strategies, ensure use of safer chemicals and materials; outlines key steps to establish inventories with brands and suppliers, measure chemical footprint, publicly disclose policies and progress