New study reviews environmental releases, persistence and exposure of perfluorinated chemical alternatives, looks at 20 fluorinated substances including eight used in FCMs
EU reviews metal limits in ceramic and glass FCMs
European Commission initiative to consider lowering migration limits for lead, cadmium, other heavy metals in ceramic, glass, and enamel food contact materials; feedback on roadmap open until June 26, 2019, full public consultation to follow
Experts call for ban of new biodegradability promoting additives
Food packaging experts call for banning a new group of biodegradability promoting additives used in food packaging, cite concerns over uncontrollable degradation, migration of and human exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals; finds them distracting from real solutions such as new business models incorporating reuse
Fluorotelomers in bio-based paper FCMs
Fluorotelomer alcohols measured in paper FCMs; high levels found in ‘eco-friendly’ bio-based paper packaging; metabolic transformation to hazardous perfluorinated acids possible
Migration of mineral oils and DIPN from paperboard into dry foods
Swiss and Italian researchers publish new study comparing the effect of different testing and storage conditions on migration behavior of MOSH, MOAH and DIPN from paperboard into non-fatty dry foodstuffs. Observed levels of migration were in the part per million (ppm) range (mg/kg food). Migration levels were highest for egg pasta packaged in paperboard and enclosed in an outer polypropylene bag.
Food contact substances and chemicals of concern: A comparison of inventories
Brominated flame retardants detected in Korean FCMs
Varying levels of the four major brominated flame retardants found in polystyrene food contact materials
EU Commission held roundtable meeting on EDCs
700 potential EDCs to be screened, final deadline to set criteria for identifying EDCs not established
EU Parliament’s draft resolution on plastics
EU Parliament’s Environment Committee publishes draft resolution on EU strategy for plastics in circular economy; deadline for tabling amendments May 3, 2018
Inventory list for printed paper and board FCMs
Scientists compile inventory list of chemicals used in printed paper and board FCMs; 1,769 single substances are non-evaluated for their toxicity; of these, 19 substances with actual use confirmed by FACET are included in ECHA’s lists for substances of concern