European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) publishes five-year review on the operation of REACH and CLP regulations; discusses impacts and shortcomings; 71 chemicals added to harmonized classification and labeling list; in 90% of cases, chemical’s general safety assessment is performed and communicated down the supply chain but half are incomplete; 33% of safety data sheets for mixtures not compliant, 17% incorrectly classified; 44% of chemicals needing authorization due to health risks are being phased out likely due to REACH
Public consultation on Swedish nano-registry
Swedish Chemicals Agency held public consultation on proposed register for nanomaterials; nano-industry association advises against Swedish registry and promotes ECHA nano-observatory
CLARITY-BPA study finds clear non-monotonicity
Researchers publish study identifying non-monotonic effects on mammary gland development across all ages of rats; finds causal relationship between BPA exposure and effects observed, results counter earlier statements that effects are rather due to random events
Nordic declaration on ocean plastics
Environment and climate ministers of Nordic countries release declaration calling for ‘global agreement to combat marine plastic litter and microplastics’
Study signifies potential toxicity of non-fluorinated surfactants
High-throughput screening of non-fluorinated aqueous firefighting foam finds they bind to key human protein as done by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); suggests non-fluorinated alternatives may have similar toxicity pathway as PFAS
New Norden guidance document on metal and alloy FCMs
Nordic Council of Ministers recommends guideline values for release of 23 metals from food contact materials (FCMs)
Nano risk governance model project
Horizon 2020 funded project launched focusing on developing a nano risk governance model, aims to explore upcoming tools and approaches as well as support prioritization and harmonization of practices among stakeholders
Japan notifies WTO of positive list
Ministry notifies World Trade Organization of planned positive list system for food-contact plastics; separate lists for base polymer plastics, coatings, minor monomers; notification open for comments until October 8, 2019; system enters into force June 2020
FDA bottleneck reviewing notifications
U.S. Food and Drug Administration behind in reviewing new food contact notifications; warns companies to submit thorough safety data given limited capacity for any process iterations
FPF comments on FCCs under review for REACH Candidate List
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is reviewing five food contact chemicals (FCCs) for possible inclusion on the REACH Candidate List of SVHCs; Food Packaging Forum (FPF) shares information on where the FCCs have been measured in food contact; two are on the EU positive list for chemicals in plastic food contact materials; FCCs under consideration for SVHC status and allowed in FCMs highlights need to create stronger connection between FCM regulation and REACH