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PAN Europe criticizes draft guidance for identifying endocrine disruptors published by EFSA and ECHA; too much focus on mode of action of chemicals, precautionary principle overlooked,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
Microplastics in food: occurrence, source, detection, and perception
Three studies investigate microplastics in foods; review summarizes particle migration from food packaging into honey and calls for universal analysis methods; research study presents analytical method to detect and identify microplastics in certain foods; survey finds public seems unaware of food packaging as microplastic source and seldomly connects microplastics with human health consequences
P&P conference 2018
Smithers Pira’s annual conference on “Plastics & paper in contact with foodstuffs” covers regulatory updates, summarizes industry initiatives, discusses future developments
Many unknowns about biodegradable plastics
New scientific review points out shortcomings in biodegradability standards for plastics; lack of toxicity testing; no account for effects of plastic additives, microplastics formation
FDA letter on plastic FCM fluorination
In a letter, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reminds manufacturers, distributors, and users “that only certain fluorinated polyethylene containers are authorized for food contact use”; reminder necessary following recent findings by US EPA and civil society organizations that some manufacturers are not following FDA regulations
High-pressure effects on flexible packaging
High-pressure processing can change functional structures and migration potential from flexible packaging materials; coated and laminated structures most sensitive; more research needed to find most suitable materials and packaging designs