European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) draft opinion reviews literature on assessment of non-monotonic dose responses (NMDRs), finds lack of standards for statistical approaches; suggests stepwise approach for ambiguous ‘apparent’ NMDRs; approach applied in two case studies finds no NMDR for bisphenol A (BPA) but does for di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP); open for comments until February 4, 2021
European Parliament against recycling of DEHP
European Parliament passes non-binding resolution banning the recycling of plastics containing phthalate DEHP
EFSA scientific colloquium on micro, nano plastics in food
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to host meeting focusing on coordinated approach to assessing human health risks of micro and nanoplastics in food on October 15-16, 2020 in Lisbon; call for abstracts open until January 31, 2020
Inventory list for printed paper and board FCMs
Scientists compile inventory list of chemicals used in printed paper and board FCMs; 1,769 single substances are non-evaluated for their toxicity; of these, 19 substances with actual use confirmed by FACET are included in ECHA’s lists for substances of concern
Benchmarking in vitro toxicity of plastics
Scientists investigate in vitro toxicity and chemical composition of plastic consumer products made of different polymers; high baseline toxicity of polylactic acid (PLA) bioplastics; food contact status does not necessarily imply lower toxicity
Opinion: No nano-specific regulation measurement needed
Nanotechnology Industries Association comments on nanomaterials under REACH published in ECHA newsletter, REACH is suitable to cover nanomaterials, modifications still necessary
EU nano-observatory databases
ECHA adds 2 searchable databases to European Union Observatory for Nanomaterials; resources contain information on nano-science and -technology, toxicological properties
U.S. EPA: Final nano-reporting rule takes effect
Natural Resources Defense Council discusses U.S. EPA’s final nanomaterials reporting rule, highlights improved transparency and opportunities for informed regulatory decisions
Scientists respond to revised EDC criteria
Endocrine Society comments on revised EDC criteria, scientists send open letter to EC; judge that revised drafts do attempt addressing several concerns raised previously, but the changes are still insufficient and proposed criteria ‘not fit for purpose’
Conference on non-intentionally added substances
Swiss Food Science meeting 2013 in June focuses on NIAS