Scientists review migration of nanomaterials from polymer-based FCMs, question suitability of migration testing conditions and diffusion-based models for estimation of nanomaterials migration, point to knowledge gaps regarding actions in human body
REACH investigation flags non-compliant companies
German NGO BUND uses freedom of information request to identify substances and companies implicated in incomplete REACH dossiers, calls on ECHA to increase transparency of substance registrations
FDA issues final rule to streamline food contact notification process
U.S. Food and Drug Administration implements new rule on food contact authorization; aimed at enhancing food chemical safety administrative processes; enables administration to assess substances beyond safety considerations; effective on May 21, 2024
Report questions viability and environmental benefits of plastic chemical recycling
Report commissioned by the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) reviews chemical recycling of plastic waste; finds the technical feasibility, environmental benefits, and economic viability of the technology are not sufficiently demonstrated; excessive subsidies or investments may lock-in environmentally unfavorable processes and infrastructure
Model indicates 70% reduction of microplastics by 2050 possible
Material flow analysis on microplastics provides recommendations for reducing microplastics in the Netherlands; effective measures include extension of deposit schemes on returnable plastics, research in improved recycling technologies, and “R-strategies”
OECD report on polymeric PFAS
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) publishes synthesis report on less well-studied sub-group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – polymeric PFAS; finds that these polymers can contain sizeable amounts of non-polymeric PFAS or can degrade into them; polymeric PFAS seen as ‘long-term significant sources’ of PFAS in the environment and in living organisms
California considers policy on PFAS in food packaging
US state’s Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) holds virtual workshop to collect input from stakeholders on use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in plant fiber-based food packaging; suggests it could decide to limit scope of products considered in upcoming policy, draws criticism from advocacy groups
EU panel re-examines health risks of mineral oil hydrocarbons in food
EFSA updates scientific opinion on mineral oil hydrocarbons in foodstuff; concludes some compounds pose health risk to EU population; public consultation is open for comments until April 30, 2023
GenX: developmental toxicant in rats
Study finds developmental toxicity in rats for hexafluoropropylene oxide-dimer acid (HFPO-DA or GenX); exposure results in reduced pup birth weights, increased pup liver weight, and reduced neonatal survival; similar adverse effects to other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances; knowledge gaps regarding clearance rate and human half-life
Switzerland adds 53 substances for use in FCM inks
Swiss government revises list of allowed substances for food contact material (FCM) inks, adds 53 substances; allows only chemicals not in direct contact with food and if no migration possible; effective from December 1, 2020