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
UNEP: Over 3000 chemicals of concern in plastics
Technical report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) informs about “chemical-related issues of plastic pollution and options to address them”; finds 13,000 chemicals present in plastic; 7,000 have hazard data of which 3,200 are chemicals of concern; outlines chemical groups, use sectors of concern, human and ecosystem exposure, gaps and improvement options including substitution and waste management in a circular economy
German BfR comments on the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability
The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) comments on the EU’s Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS); criticizes the alleged exclusion of scientific risk assessment experts in the development and implementation of the CSS; comments supported by others with demonstrated ties to chemical industry.
NIAS detection in food packaging materials
Review presents new analytical approaches to identify non-intentionally added substances in food packaging materials
Denmark limits fluorocarbons in food packaging
Danish Minister of the Environment and Food recommends lowered limit for fluorocarbons in food contact materials
FPF webinar on reprotoxic food contact chemicals: Proceedings online
Food Packaging Forum held webinar on food contact chemical surfynol and its reprotoxic properties on March 27, 2018; video recording and presentation slides now available
EU observatory for nanomaterials now online
ECHA launches European Union Observatory for Nanomaterials website; provides information on nanomaterials on the EU market for consumers, workers, regulators, and scientists
ECHA holds online safer chemicals conference
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) online event features 14 presentations from government agencies and industry associations, retailers; covers topics under the themes of safer chemicals, tracking substances of concern, and harmonized information for poison control centers; slides and recordings available
German packaging register online
Central German packaging register ‘LUCID’ launched; registration of packaged goods possible until January 1, 2019, when new German packaging law enters into force
FPF workshop program online
Program of FPF workshop on hazardous materials on 9 October 2014 online now; registration to open this week