European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) publishes update on risk assessment of hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDDs); results support conclusion that dietary exposure in EU not a health concern except for breastfed children; panel will consider mixture approach once risk assessments of all groups of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) updated
FPF submits feedback on packaging and packaging waste regulation
Food Packaging Forum (FPF) responds to European Commission’s call for feedback on the proposed packaging and packaging waste regulation (PPWR); FPF highlights aspects of food packaging and chemical safety that should be included in future versions; primarily (i) considering presence of hazardous chemicals in packaging materials meant to be recycled or reused, (ii) clearly defining compostable packaging and guaranteeing safety, and (iii) defining inertness
Plastics policy in the UK needs clarity and reform
Greenpeace and Everyday Plastic publish results from voluntary plastic waste audit of nearly 100,000 UK homes; finds UK households throw away nearly 100 billion pieces of plastic a year, 83% of which is from food and drinks; waste organizations within the country ask for stronger policies and more clarity on existing goals
Chemical industry calls for collaboration to meet EU objectives
European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) publishes report investigating potential scope and impacts of new EU chemicals regulations; finds up to 12,000 substances may be affected by revisions, which are responsible for 28% of the industry’s turnover; adhesives and sealants sectors expected to be most affected
BPA in developing countries
Scientists review BPA exposure and regulation in developing countries; exposure comparable to developed countries; no BPA regulation in most developing countries
New FPF dossier: Can coatings
2 FPF articles on can coatings published; Food Packaging & Health article summarizes key issues of can coatings; FPF dossier provides comprehensive scientific background information
Many REACH registrations non-compliant
Study by German authorities finds 32% of high production volume chemicals non-compliant with REACH safety data requirements; 31% compliant, rest uncertain; European Environmental Bureau suggests actions for improvement
Substances of concern in the circular economy
EU Parliament addresses the fate of chemicals in the circular economy, supports the development of non-toxic material cycles
Coop Denmark rejects fluorinated food packaging
Coop Denmark removes microwave popcorn from shelves because packaging contains fluorinated substances
Oligomers in polyester coatings for metal cans
Scientists characterize and quantify monomers and oligomers migrating from different polyester coatings, find migration into real foods compared to food simulants, question predictability of standard migration procedure