German Environment Agency (UBA) identifies 44 environmentally relevant potential substitutes for bisphenol A (BPA); tests 26 substances in receptor and screening assays, identifies only one substance with both sufficient data and not displaying endocrine-active effects
Food contact related European food alerts in 2012
2012 report on European rapid alerts of enforcement authorities shows slightly less food contact related notifications compared to 2011, Chinese imports of particular concern
China consults on two new substances in FCMs
National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA) opens public consultation on use of polyethylene in polyoxymethylene plastics and 2-propenoic acid, polymer with 1,3-butadiene and ethenyl benzene for use in adhesives
Amendments to EU plastic FCM regulation
EU notifies World Trade Organization of next amendments to plastic FCM regulation; two new substances authorized, specific migration limits changed for two other substances
Detecting BPA in food
European Commission Joint Research Centre develops analytical methods for determining BPA and 12 similar substances in food
Phthalate-alternative linked to metabolic disruption
New study shows metabolite of plasticizer DINCH induces fat cell formation
Decision matrix for EDCs
German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment proposes extended assessment criteria to identify endocrine disruptors under European regulation
Opinion: EDC guidance “doomed to fail”
PAN Europe criticizes draft guidance for identifying endocrine disruptors published by EFSA and ECHA; too much focus on mode of action of chemicals, precautionary principle overlooked, organization claims
EU Member States adopt revised EDC criteria for pesticides
Member States vote in favor of EU Commission’s new proposal for criteria to identify endocrine disrupting pesticides; exemption for substances with intentional endocrine activity removed; NGOs criticize remaining high burden of proof
Sources of PFASs exposure in humans
Scientists examine associations between exposure factors and levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in humans; compare several methods of dietary exposure assessment; food contact articles significantly contributed to PFASs intakes