Publication assesses over fifty studies on endocrine disrupting chemicals migrating from packaging into beverages; finds that material type, acidity, and storage impact migration rates; phthalates were most detected in polymer films, while bisphenol A was measured most in canned beverages
Chemicals used to produce PET cause cells to store fat, say scientists
Study investigate correlation of starting substances to manufacture polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with obesity; report these para-phthalates to alter adipogenesis in vitro at nanomolar concentrations; consider ascertaining their safe levels a high priority
Hazardous chemicals in recycled and reusable plastic food packaging
California passes strongest EPR and recycling legislation in the US
Plastic pollution prevention and packaging producer responsibility act requires all packaging in California be recyclable or compostable by 2032; plastic packaging production be reduced by 25%, and 65% of packaging be recycled after use
Japan updates food contact materials positive list
Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare publishes lists of polymers, additives, and monomers permitted for use in food contact; enforcement of updated list and use requirements set for June 1, 2025; Japanese industry organization publishes discussion paper on chemicals management for products in the circular economy
U.S. FDA launches webpage on micro- and nanoplastics in food
Provides general information on micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs); claims there is no evidence showing health risks; comments on lack of standardized methods for detecting, quantifying, and characterizing MNPs
WWF: marine plastic pollution irreversible, strategies needed beyond recycling
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) publishes principles for chemical recycling to avoid harming human health or goals for circular economy; should not compete with mechanical recycling, need transparency about resource consumption; prioritize reduction, reuse over recycling; WWF and Alfred Wegener Institute report on plastics’ impacts on oceans; plastic contamination is permanent; at least 2144 species affected, 99.8% of seabird species will eat plastics by 2050
Plastic recycling in EU: FPF concerned about draft regulation
Food Packaging Forum (FPF) comments on EU draft regulation for recycled plastics FCMs; exemptions for the risk assessment of “incidental contamination” and for pre-market assessment of novel technologies likely to increase hazardous chemical exposure for the general public
EFSA updates independence policy
EFSA publishes revised independence policy including new elements to avoid conflicts of interest; NGO remains critical of EFSA’s ties to food industry
DEHP disrupts insulin signaling
Scientists find that long-term oral exposure of adult rats to the phthalate DEHP disrupts insulin signaling pathways, resulting in the development of insulin resistance