Publication assesses over fifty studies on endocrine disrupting chemicals migrating from packaging into beverages; finds that material type, acidity, and storage impact migration rates; phthalates were most detected in polymer films, while bisphenol A was measured most in canned beverages
Prenatal phthalate exposure may be linked to lower IQ
Children of mothers with high exposure to DnBP and DiBP shown to have lower IQ levels
California identifies candidate substance groups
Department of Toxic Substances Control announces candidate groups of substances used in food packaging to be priority products under Safe Consumer Products program; includes BPA and alternatives, PFAS, and ortho-phthalates; two additional workshops scheduled in November and January to discuss chemicals, answer open questions
Report finds harmful chemicals widespread in packaged and processed foods
Report by Consumer Reports analyzed 85 different packaged foods for bisphenols and phthalates; detects BPA and phthalates in majority of products with wide ranging concentrations; authors emphasize difficulty of assessing “safe levels”
Phthalate metabolites detected in Chinese school children
Cumulative risks from exposure to multiple phthalates higher for children in manufacturing-intensive locations
CEP Panel: 3rd plenary meeting
EFSA’s CEP Panel held 3rd plenary meeting on October 23-25, 2018, with open sessions; new PET recycling processes, food contact chemicals, updated risk assessment for 5 phthalates discussed
EFSA publishes hazard assessment protocol for reevaluation of FCM plasticizers
European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) protocol outlines strategy for collecting data and appraising evidence for hazard assessment of phthalates and other plasticizers in food contact materials (FCMs); latest step in agency’s reevaluation of risks to public health
Searching for safer plasticizers
Scientists evaluate a panel of novel plasticizers for in vitro effects on testicular function; propose alternatives to phthalates
EC's meeting with European FCM industry
EU Commission presents ongoing work in FCM field to professional associations; amendments to recycling plastics regulation and specific measure on ‘glymo’ in preparation; authorization of recycling processes expected by Q3 2020; final publication of updated EFSA opinion on phthalates in FCMs expected soon
Phthalate exposure in Austrian population
Study suggests phthalate exposure decreased in previous years, concerns remain due to potential cumulative effects of phthalates and other anti-androgens