Review article summarizes evidence on phthalates’ effects on reproductive and cardiovascular systems; association with increased cardiovascular risk possible
Phthalates and their replacements measured in US fast food
Researchers measure phthalates or phthalate-replacing plasticizers in 100% of fast food samples from McDonald’s, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Domino’s, Taco Bell, and Chipotle restaurants in the US; seen as first published data of plasticizer DEHT detected in fast food
U.S. bill to ban phthalates in FCMs
U.S. Senate presented with a bill to ban ortho-phthalates in food contact materials, including food packaging
Phthalates in bottled water
Review of 5 phthalates’ concentrations found in bottled water across 21 countries; measured concentrations ‘not a serious concern’ for public health, but ‘significant’ estrogenic effects possible
ECHA assesses regulatory needs of phthalates as a group
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) publishes assessment of regulatory needs for groups of chemicals including ortho-phthalates; concludes that all phthalates with C4-C6 carbon backbones and similar substances are likely reproductive toxicants and endocrine disruptors; suggests regulation as a group
Kraft Heinz urged to phase out phthalates
Over 30 organizations sign letter asking international foods manufacturer to ban phthalates from its packaging and processing equipment, work with suppliers to phase out phthalates from upstream sources
Review analyzes link between ortho-phthalates and ADHD
Targeting Environmental Neuro-Development Risks (TENDR) project publishes review in American Journal of Public Health analyzing link between ortho-phthalate exposure and impaired neurodevelopment, behavioral disorders such as ADHD; authors call for strong governmental and cooperative action, recommend reducing phthalate exposure from e.g. diet, medical equipment, personal care products
Annie’s to eliminate phthalates from processing equipment, packaging
Annie’s Homegrown tells stakeholders it is working to eliminate all ortho-phthalates present in food processing equipment and packaging; announces its product phthalate levels are below European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) limits; identifies phthalates issue as widespread, complex, affecting whole supply chain
U.S. senator worried about phthalates in food packaging
New York senator Chuck Schumer urges U.S. Food and Drug Administration to investigate safety of phthalates in food packaging and ban them if found harmful
Replacing phthalates in plastic packaging
Swedish non-governmental organization ChemSec publishes practical advice to business operators on why and how to replace phthalates, discusses alternatives, regrettable substitutions, and policy options