EFSA proposes methodology for evaluating risks posed by food contaminants detected in RASFF, addresses toxicological properties and dietary exposure, develops Rapid Assessment of Contaminant Exposure (RACE) tool
Factsheet on safety of reuse during COVID-19 pandemic
UPSTREAM publication answers seven frequently asked questions on the safety of reusable products such as packaging and food service ware; emphasizes that single-use products are not safer than reusable ones, food safety regulations ensure proper cleaning and sanitation of reusable products
EFSA evaluates new PET recycling process
EFSA’s CEF Panel considers FCMs made from post-consumer PET recycling process ‘Polisan Hellas S.A.’ safe for contact with all types of foodstuffs
Responses to draft regulation on BPA in FCMs
NGOs respond to public consultation, propose to ban BPA in all FCMs that could be used by children, suggest that regulation should cover additional types of FCMs like paper and card
ECHA extends data access
ECHA publishes data on 15,000 chemicals registered under REACH; including physical-chemical properties and toxicological data; database available for download
UK to “overhaul” its waste system
UK government announces plans to make major changes to waste system; considers introducing extended producer responsibility, plastic tax, defined materials for recycling, deposit return scheme
Recycled materials: Food contact compliance considerations in the US
EC: draft proposal to restrict intentionally added microplastics
European Commission (EC) publishes draft proposal to restrict intentionally-added synthetic polymer microparticles < 5 mm; could ban use of microplastics in cosmetics, cleaning products, pesticides, and sport fields; environmental groups warn of shortcomings
EU Parliament vetoes EDC criteria
EU Parliament’s vote rejects EU Commission’s proposal for EDC identification criteria for pesticides; asks to remove exemption for the substances with intended endocrine mode of action, deliver new proposal ‘without delay’
Chemical composition of consumer products
Ensia article outlines efforts of U.S. states to demand information on chemicals of concern in consumer products from companies