A recently published review article by Korean researchers sparks a scientific debate on the safety of plastic food contact materials containing hormone active substances.
Studies confirm hazardous substances in bio-based food contact materials
Three recent studies explore the chemical safety of bio-based food contact materials (FCMs); current analytical methods fail to detect all hazardous substances in bio-based FCMs, in vitro bioassays are suitable addition; Dutch «eco-friendly» FCMs often contain non-biodegradable components and substances like pesticides and PFAS; migration of allergens found
Chemicals in plastic packaging listed as potential EDCs
The Endocrine Disruption Exchange adds 26 substances used in plastic packaging to its list of potential endocrine disrupting chemicals
Food packaging chemicals in ToxCast
Scientists use ToxCast data to prioritize food-relevant chemicals for safety testing; identify obesity- and diabetes-related chemicals, and chemicals affecting growth and development; multiple food contact chemicals found to be active in ToxCast assays
Podcast on plasticizers and fast food
Environmental Defense Fund podcast discusses scientific study showing link between high fast food consumption and increased urinary phthalate levels
Experts question US FDA’s safety assessment of recycled plastics
Environmental Health News reports on process to approve recycled plastic products for food contact; researchers quoted in the article argue that the approach is insufficient; more thorough testing and safety assessments needed
Six classes challenge
Science editorial presents the “Six classes challenge” – a campaign calling to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals in products, focusing on entire classes rather than individual chemicals
Review discusses contaminants in canned food
Scientists summarize literature on chemicals in can-packaged food including metals, plastic-associated chemicals, and furans; report generally low contaminant levels but a lack of non-targeted and suspect screenings; find canning steps, internal and external factors to influence contaminant levels
Report on chemicals in food packaging
U.S. groups Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund publish report on food packaging chemicals; address health hazards and regulatory failures; call for greater transparency to drive changes in the Californian market place
Research defines PFAS planetary boundary and calculates human health costs
Scientists suggest per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in environmental media represent a new planetary boundary that has been exceeded; calculate that regulatory action on PFAS use and remediation may provide substantial economic benefits through reduction of health-related costs