Two studies applied computational methods to screen food contact chemicals (FCCs) for carcinogenic properties or interaction with 31 nuclear receptors; one identifies 44 potential carcinogens among 1623 assessed FCCs; other finds more than half of 8091 screened FCCs with high binding affinity for several nuclear receptors
The Guardian investigates PFAS in blood, food packaging, and cookware
Journalist from The Guardian tests household items and his own blood for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in partnership with the University of Notre Dame and the Silent Spring Institute; analysis confirms presence of four types of PFAS in blood serum, 15 household products, food packaging and cookware; identified substances include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane-1-sulphonic acid (PFHxS)
FPF comments on proposed US ban of fluorinated plastics
Food Packaging Forum (FPF) submits comments to the US Food and Drug Administration on the food additive petition to remove the authorization of fluorinated polyethylene in food contact materials
US FDA adds nine substances to food contact inventory
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) adds nine new entries to its Inventory of Effective Food Contact Substance Notifications (FCN) since August 2021
EU publishes PFOA regulation
European Commission regulation restricts use of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts and PFOA-related compounds as a persistent organic pollutants; sets maximum concentration of 0.025 mg/kg for PFOA and salts, 1 mg/kg for related compounds; series of exemptions also in place
New method to evaluate effects of electron beam treatment on chemical migration in PP films
New two-dimensional gas chromatography method assesses effects of electron beam treatment of polypropylene films on composition of chemical migration extracts.
New method to evaluate effects of electron beam treatment on chemical migration in PP films
New two-dimensional gas chromatography method assesses effects of electron beam treatment of polypropylene films on composition of chemical migration extracts.
Rare earth elements found in FCMs, recycled plastics
Researchers at University of Plymouth find rare earth elements in 24 of 31 tested products including children’s toys, food contact materials (FCMs); highest abundance in plastic recycled from electronic waste; authors suggest plastic recycling process as source for contamination; suggest elements as indicators for presence of other additives such as brominated flame retardants
ECHA: 2nd consultation on phthalates’ authorization
ECHA consults on uses of DEHP, DBP, BBP, DIBP which may no longer be exempted from authorization, including FCM uses; deadline for comments March 12, 2019
Migration of nitrosamines from FCMs
Scientists develop analytical method to measure N-nitrosamines migrating from elastomeric food contact materials; 6 nitrosamines detected frequently; BfR-recommended limit exceeded for one styrene block copolymer sample