U.S. retailer Costco launches testing of consumer products for chemicals of concern; list of target chemicals and long-term goals of screening program not disclosed
Cost of EDCs for female health
Study estimates costs of uterine fibroids and endometriosis linked to EDC exposure to reach nearly €1.5 billion per year
UK recognizes importance of grouping PFAS
UK environmental minister identifies the need to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as a group, included in response to a letter sent earlier by civil society organizations to UK agencies calling for PFAS restrictions in food packaging
UK keeps FCM legislation in no-deal Brexit
United Kingdom’s Parliament passes legislation to regulate food contact materials in case no deal is reached with the EU; copies current EU legislation with potential future trade impacts if EU laws further develop
UK plastics pact
UK WRAP alliance and Ellen MacArthur Foundation launch UK Plastics Pact uniting national stakeholders; platform part of international initiative The Plastics Pact aiming to accelerate transition towards new plastics economy
UK Plastics Pact 2025 roadmap
UK’s Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) publishes UK Plastics Pact roadmap to 2025, outlines key actions to take to tackle plastic pollution
UK government discusses toxic chemicals
UK House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee enquires into ‘Toxic chemicals in everyday life,’ hears evidence on chemical exposure, discusses post-Brexit regulatory situation for chemicals in products including food contact materials
Study measures PFAS in UK food packaging
Fidra publishes report testing for presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in 92 samples of fiber-based food packaging from UK supermarkets and take away restaurants; finds 18 have total organic fluorine levels above background concentration; highest concentrations in molded fiber take away boxes
UK moves ahead with plastic packaging tax
Government announces tax on plastic packaging with less than 30% recycled content beginning April 2022; £200 per metric ton set to be charged, exemptions will exist for small quantities
Guide for FCM regulation in the UK
UK’s Food Standards Agency releases food contact materials (FCM) authorization guide; no reauthorization needed for plastic or regenerated cellulose film additives authorized in the EU before January 1, 2021; application process for new substances will take up to 15 months; Northern Ireland will remain under EU rules