Media collaboration evaluates Europe’s contamination by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); maps 17,000 known and 21,000 presumed contamination sites; ChemSec launches PFAS guide for companies
EFSA working group on FCMs: 24th meeting
Updated meeting minutes of EFSA’s CEF Panel working group on FCMs now available online
India: Stronger recycled plastic rules after push back, new EPR program
India implements extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for plastic packaging, effective immediately; recycling targets for plastic producers, importers, and brand-owners start at 25% and progressively get stricter; Indian standards authority strengthens regulations for recycled plastic in food contact after receiving pushback
Conjugated BPA is biologically active
New study by Health Canada questions key assumption of bisphenol A risk assessment, shows obesogenic properties of allegedly “detoxified” food contact substance
Scientist with industry ties quits EU advisory panel
Environmental Health News reports on resignation of co-author of Dietrich et al. editorial from European Commission panel
US EPA: Screening for hazardous chemicals
US EPA advances chemical testing: computer screening models and automated processes
Nanoparticles in food linked to cancer
Oral ingestion of titanium dioxide nanoparticles induces abnormal immune responses, preneoplastic lesions in the colon; scientists call for re-evaluation of risks from oral exposure to nanoparticles
Fighting climate change with food packaging
Climate Change Leadership Conference discusses the complexity of the chemicals in food packaging and hears about how being environmentally friendly involves more than just investigating carbon emissions
Final event: Hazardous chemicals in plastic packaging (HCPP) project
Food Packaging Forum to co-host event on September 12, 2019 in Gothenburg, Sweden presenting results from multi-year research project on chemicals in plastic packaging; registration open to attend in person or via live webinar
Soil microbes eat biodegradable plastic
Swiss and Austrian researchers show that soil microorganisms fully metabolize biodegradable polymer polybutylene adipate terephthalate; European Bioplastics deems doubts about biodegradable plastics clarified