Parabens inhibit several biotransformation enzymes involved in steroid hormone metabolism and chemical detoxification; study in mice shows that co-exposure with butyl paraben results in elevated internal levels of estradiol and BPA
Scientific review reveals the chemicals migrating from PET drink bottles
150 chemicals have been measured to migrate from PET bottles into drinks; 18 chemicals exceed EU migration limits, only 41 included in EU’s regulations on plastic food contact materials; most migrating chemicals are non-intentionally added substances (NIAS); systematic review includes 91 studies
Children’s BPA levels higher in summer, among African Americans and at lower age
First study to investigate BPA levels in US minorities and link with phthalate-exposure
Compliance of FCMs in Northern Europe
Norden project on compliance of food contact materials publishes results; improved declarations of compliance needed
FPF comment: US EPA expansion of Safer Choice program
Food Packaging Forum (FPF) submits comment to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the potential expansion of the agency’s Safer Choice and Design for Environment programs into new sectors; FPF encourages EPA to consider food contact materials; shares resources about chemicals of concern in food contact
Webinar on toxicity of paper and board FCMs
Collaborative on Health and the Environment holds webinar on in vitro testing of paper and board food contact materials, January 18, 2018; registration now open
Coop Denmark to remove many chemicals of concern
Retailer Coop Denmark phases out 12 substances or groups of chemicals of concern from its own-brand products by the end of 2017
Plastics identified as source of legal liability
Minderoo Foundation finds liabilities from the health and environmental effects of microplastics and plastic-related chemicals to be worth more than $20 billion in the US by 2030; potentially up to $100 billion in liabilities expected by 2030 with the number expected to increase in the future; article published by the American Bar Association focuses on potential corporate liabilities from micro- and nanoplastics in particular
Civil society urges European Commission to phase out PVC in food packaging
Zero Waste Europe publishes brief highlighting problems with polyvinyl chloride in food contact applications; advocates for restrictions due to health concerns from additives and microplastics; another report supports ECHA’s findings on significant risks associated with PVC; European civil society organizations petition phase out strategies
Code Check on reducing exposure to hazardous food packaging chemicals
Article by product ingredient transparency app Code Check provides overview of some hazardous chemicals that can be present in food packaging; provides tips for reducing exposure