Scientists detect dozens of volatile and non-volatile substances migrating from ‘bamboo’ food packaging; melamine migration exceeding specific migration limit; conclude bamboo-melamine articles ‘a risk to consumer’s health,’ their promotion as biodegradable ‘a fraud to consumers’
Plastic Health Summit 2021: Urgent need for action on plastics
Scientists, activists, industry and policy makers share findings and future needs that address the plastic pollution crisis; recycling plastics is ineffective strategy; concern over possible health effects of micro- and nanoplastics
Opinion: Use of plastic packaging must stop
Former CEO of UK’s retailer Asda claims that recycling alone cannot solve ‘plastic proliferation crisis;’ calls on supermarkets to replace plastic packaging by alternative packaging, proposes creating ‘plastic-free aisles’
Microplastics, seafood and human health
Greenpeace UK releases report on microplastics in seafood; compiles most recent academic research; recommends banning mircobeads and generally applying precautionary principle
Concerns over recycled ocean-bound plastic packaging
UK branch of supermarket chain Lidl announces new packaging for fish made from at least 30% recycled ocean-bound plastic from March 2020; stakeholders raise concerns over safety of chemicals that could be present
WRAP sets targets for removing single-use packaging in store-sold produce
UK-based organization publishes roadmap to reducing food waste and single-use plastic packaging; targets selling 50% of fruits and vegetables loose by 2030; aims to support retailers and other stakeholders in reaching UK Plastics Pact targets
Vision for sustainable beverage packaging
UK report sets vision for sustainable beverage packaging, identifies eight actions for industry and government
From scientific evidence to policy
Journal PLOS Biology publishes special edition on the effects of chemical exposures on public and environmental health; addresses gap between scientific understanding and regulation of chemicals
Nanoparticles in FCMs: Benefits and limitations
Scientists discuss the use of nanoparticles in food packaging materials, focusing on gaps in knowledge on their migration, toxicity, influence on biopolymer degradability
EDC criteria for pesticides adopted
EU Commission officially adopts revised EDC criteria for plant protection products; practical application guidance to be finalized in summer 2018; consumer organization wants EDC criteria to go ‘beyond’ biocides and pesticides