French food safety agency assesses dietary exposure of children under 3 to chemicals; identifies 16 substances of concern and recommends reducing exposure; more data needed for substances migrating from FCMs
California modifies draft circular economy bill
State lawmakers adapt proposed legislation on single use packaging and recycling following stakeholder discussions, keep target for 75% recycling rate by 2030, add language regarding material neutral treatment and use of a stakeholder advisory panel
New York: Bloomberg to propose ban of polystyrene food packaging
New York’s mayor Bloomberg tries to increase plastic recycling through banning plastic foam food packaging
GRAS petitions: Trade secrets vs. public disclosure
Food Safety News argues that spotlight on GRAS notification process may shift line between trade secrets and public disclosure
Universal fetal exposure to BPA
New study suggests high and potentially hazardous levels of BPA in fetuses
JRC: definition of nanomaterial
Joint Research Centre publishes 2nd report on EC nanomaterial definition; details differences among definitions
Phthalates and cardiovascular disease
Review article summarizes evidence on phthalates’ effects on reproductive and cardiovascular systems; association with increased cardiovascular risk possible
Recycling association circular economy paper
European recycling association EuRIC AISBL shows concern for lack of interface between EU chemicals, product, and waste legislation; provides recommendations to support circular economy including harmonizing EU waste legislation, derogations for legacy substances
EC: Upcoming discussions on EDC criteria
Pesticides and Biocides Committees of the European Commission are to discuss the EDC criteria proposal this week
Optimizing analytics for quantification of unknown substances
Scientists propose a method for semi-quantification of unknown substances; exemplify significance of various technical parameters; demonstrate method performance with paperboard FCM extract