Wall Street Journal (WSJ) article discusses changing attitudes towards plastic in home kitchens; outlines the relatively recent history of plastic in the kitchen and recent cultural shifts towards using more reusable materials for storing and transporting food; FPF compares different reusable options, consumers encouraged to not forget about chemical migration and impacts on human health
Model legislation suggests regulation of PFAS and phthalates
Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH) announces model legislation update, suggests regulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and ortho-phthalates, stricter limits for heavy metals
Scientists detect microplastics in human veins, colon tissue, and urine
Small pilot study analyzes saphenous vein tissues from five individuals and detects 15 plastic particles/g tissue indicating transport of plastic particles within human tissue; review concludes more research needed to elucidate the potential carcinogenicity of micro- and nanoplastics; researchers find potential connection between colorectal cancer and microplastic exposure level; preliminary study report microplastic presence in four out of six urine samples 15 plastic particles/g of tissue
Washington State bans PFASs in food packaging
Governor of U.S. state Washington signs bill into law banning the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in food packaging by 2022 if alternatives can be found by 2020
Pre-packaged organic produce
Foodwatch discusses common practice of pre-packaging organic produce in plastic; presents alternatives such as stickers, printing, laser marking
Warning signs for BPA in Connecticut
Connecticut considers bill requiring labeling food packaging containing BPA
Vermont and California legislation on single-use packaging
Bills in both states aim to curb the use of single-use packaging and products; Vermont bans polystyrene packaging, plastic bags, straws; California to reduce waste from single-use packaging and products by 75%, require recyclability or compostability
Dutch Food Safety Authority promises more openness
Dutch food safety authority makes risk assessment of Dutch waffles highly contaminated with mineral oils public; pledges more information access and transparency in future risk assessments
Ban of BPA substitutes
New York City plans to extent current bisphenol A ban by prohibiting 6 BPA substitutes in children’s products
EU Parliament debates single-use plastics
EU Parliament debates directive on reducing marine litter from plastics, including restrictions for specific single-use plastic products; final vote scheduled for October 24, 2018