Scientific commentary discusses pregnancy- and child-relevant exposure to and impacts of nano- and microplastics: finds 37 studies mostly on plastic particles in food and placental transfer, identifies major knowledge gaps, and advocates policymakers and industry to implement precautionary approaches; Nature Reviews Materials article proposes microplastic risk assessment framework
Conference: Sustainability in packaging
Smithers Pira held “Sustainability in Packaging Europe” event on October 24-26, 2017 in Barcelona; speakers addressed plastic and packaging waste, packaging design, food waste, packaging machinery, and food brands’ activities
EPA announces 10 chemicals under evaluation
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency publishes first list of chemicals to be assessed under the modernized Toxic Substances Control Act; 8 of 10 chemicals have history of use in food contact materials
Novel bioassays to improve FCM safety testing
Food Packaging Forum webinar features presentation from Alan Bergmann of the Swiss Centre for Applied Ecotoxicology on recent research developing novel bioassays to improve testing of food contact materials (FCMs); method improves sensitivity of detecting estrogenicity within complex mixtures of chemicals
Opinion: Nanoregisters detrimental to nanotechnology
Nanotechnology Industry Association expresses concern over nano registers at European Commission workshop
EU starts evaluation of FCM regulation: 1st stakeholder event
Evaluation of the European FCM regulation started with a stakeholder workshop in Brussels; purpose of the 12-month evaluation process is to identify how FCM regulation performs in practice; participants see urgent need for improvements; all stakeholder input is welcome
Novel bioassays to improve FCM safety testing
RIVM critical of EU nano-observatory
Dutch institute for public health deems EU observatory for nanomaterials “limited in detailed information,” highlights importance of adapting REACH regulation for nanomaterials
Non-toxic chemicals are good for business
ChemSec discusses how hazardous substances can lead to costly business scandals and that substitution is necessary for a successful circular economy
Opinion: EFSA’s draft nano-guidance too broad
Nanotechnology Industries Association comments on EFSA’s draft guidance on risk assessment of nanomaterials, deems scope too general and requirements too conservative