Smithers conference covers global developments in food contact regulations and materials; speakers on day two review recent and upcoming changes to food packaging regulations in China, Japan, India, and Southeast Asia
Investors urge major companies to reduce single-use plastic packaging
Investors with over $10 trillion in assets call for urgent action to reduce single-use plastic packaging in the fast-moving consumer goods and grocery retail sectors; cite environmental, climate, and public health threats posed by the entire plastics lifecycle; express concern over the financial risks to companies and investors
Hundreds of chemicals migrate from reusable plastic bottles
Scientific study compares chemicals migrating from new plastic sport bottles and bottles after dishwashing and one year in use; detects over 400 plastic-related compounds including oligomers and aromatic amines; finds dishwashing to increase migration
Studies investigate extractable and leachable FCCs, present collision cross section database
Scientists develop collisions cross section (CCS) database for leachable and extractable food contact chemicals (FCCs) to help in chemical identification during targeted and untargeted analysis; database covers 1038 CCS values; study tentatively identifies >100 migrants from 24 plastic food packaging articles including 11 that are of potential concern or are priority hazardous substances
Many REACH registrations non-compliant
Study by German authorities finds 32% of high production volume chemicals non-compliant with REACH safety data requirements; 31% compliant, rest uncertain; European Environmental Bureau suggests actions for improvement
Scientists comment on proposed polymer registration criteria
International Panel on Chemical Pollution (IPCP) publishes joint statement from scientists critiquing European Commission’s (EC) draft guidelines for polymer registration under REACH; statement asks for more inclusive criteria for polymers requiring registration (PRR), consideration of micro- and nano-plastic hazards; statement open for signatures
FPF Workshop 2020: Work of IARC explained
Kate Guyton reviews the work of International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), underlines the essential role played by independent scientific experts, describes processes used for evidence synthesis and carcinogen classification; key characteristics of carcinogens constitute an important approach to cancer hazard identification
FPF Workshop 2017: Ensuring the safety of FCMs in a global economy
Presentations and podium discussion at Food Packaging Forum 2017 workshop cover risk communication, the role of testing labs and enforcement, regulatory updates, and transparency issues
FDA studies show short-chain PFAS toxicity, metabolite bioaccumulation
Scientists from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) publish two studies on 6:2 fluorotelomer (6:2 FTOH); find risk posed by toxicity of 6:2 FTOH previously underestimated, acidic fluorotelomer metabolite bioaccumulates
Companies submit incomplete chemical safety data
Environmental Defense Fund uncovers how companies omit toxicological data in notices to U.S. Food and Drug Administration for approval of food additives and food contact substances; focus on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances