California State Policy Evidence Consortium and DG Environment publish reports on the abundance, health effects and (potential) regulations on microplastics and nanoplastics, respectively; first finds most regulations come from California or EU and concern banning microbeads or mandating more research; second argues against a lower size cutoff of nanoplastics since the smaller the plastic particles, the more likely they can cross biological membranes
OECD framework for nanomaterials
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development publishes three reports focused on the safety of manufactured nanomaterials, provides framework with guidance on test methods for physico-chemical properties
German newspaper reports on plastic packaging
Plastic food packaging topic of article in German newspaper taz; focusing on regulation, knowledge gaps, recycling; experts provide background information
ECETOC updates human exposure database
European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals adds new data sources and assessment tools to its Human Exposure Assessment Tools Database
German authorities find mineral oil hydrocarbons in baby formulas
Test results from German Chemical and Veterinary Investigation Offices (CVUA) show quantifiable levels of saturated (MOSH) and aromatic (MOAH) mineral oil hydrocarbons; Food Watch calls for EU-wide limits and no tolerance of MOAH
Laser marks on German fruit and vegetables
German retailer EDEKA launches laser marks on fruit and vegetables instead of using sticker labels or plastic film
Impacts of food contact chemicals on human health: a consensus statement
Swedish report on future chemical management
Ministry of Environment report investigates improving management of hazardous chemicals by group, consideration of mixture toxicity in risk assessment; provides 11 recommendations for regulators; public comments accepted until May 29, 2020
Hazard- vs. risk-based chemicals management
Hazard-based approaches are criticized and risk-based management of chemicals is pushed for in Europe; doing so would weaken the protection of public health, International Chemical Secretariat (ChemSec) explains
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