European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) symposium summarizes current approaches for microplastic monitoring; research institutions present results of 4 inter-laboratory microplastic analysis comparison studies; no ‘one-size-fits-all’ analytical method, presenters emphasize need for harmonization; Commission outlines policy needs
Industry association complains to EU Commission about French BPA ban
PlasticsEurope concerned that French BPA regulation will disrupt the EU market
EDC criteria: Latest revision and next meeting
EU Commission publishes latest version of revised criteria to identify endocrine disruptors; NGOs and industry still dissatisfied with proposed criteria; next expert meeting, and possible vote, to be held February 28, 2017
Authorized FCMs may harm children’s brains
NGO finds 300 food additives to interact with thyroid system, 41% are used as food contact materials
Chinese government and industry work on FCM regulation
China amending the national food contact material (FCM) regulation for the first time since 2016; amendments would expand use of previously approved food contact chemicals (FCCs) and food additives; redefines FCM to clarify that packaging material must contact the food item; industry association issues draft guidance; regulatory agencies approve or in process of approving multiple new FCCs
FDA adds thirteen substances to food contact inventory
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) adds 13 new entries to its Inventory of Effective Food Contact Substance (FCS); notifications submitted since August 6, 2020
Article discusses toxic chemical exposure and COVID-19
Environmental Health News calls for reducing public’s exposure to toxic chemicals within food packaging, processed foods; cites studies linking COVID-19 death risk to existing chronic conditions, calls out chemicals as exacerbating the problem
COVID-19 to not delay EU single-use plastic directive
Industry association request to delay pending restrictions denied by European Commission; member states still expected to implement directive into national laws by original deadline
EFSA: New safe liquid absorber
EFSA finds liquid absorber based on crosslinked polyacrylic acid and sodium salt safe for food contact; does not exceed migration limit
7 steps to identify EDCs
New ECETOC report presents step-by-step guidance for identifying endocrine disrupting chemicals; complements EDC guidance developed by ECHA and EFSA and focuses on weight-of-evidence approach