Research study compares different techniques for oligomer detection and finds polyester oligomers migrate from biopolymers; book chapter discusses catalysts, volatile organic compounds, and additives in bio-based products, including their migration and safety
Chemical footprinting: 2018 annual report
3rd Chemical Footprint Project report shows companies have more knowledge about chemicals in their products, make efforts to reduce hazardous substances
WRAP sets targets for removing single-use packaging in store-sold produce
UK-based organization publishes roadmap to reducing food waste and single-use plastic packaging; targets selling 50% of fruits and vegetables loose by 2030; aims to support retailers and other stakeholders in reaching UK Plastics Pact targets
Studies confirm hazardous substances in bio-based food contact materials
Three recent studies explore the chemical safety of bio-based food contact materials (FCMs); current analytical methods fail to detect all hazardous substances in bio-based FCMs, in vitro bioassays are suitable addition; Dutch «eco-friendly» FCMs often contain non-biodegradable components and substances like pesticides and PFAS; migration of allergens found
Phthalates and fast food
New study analyzes NHANES data and finds association between high fast food consumption and increased urinary phthalate levels
Symposium: Chemical mixtures and cancer
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences hosts symposium and webcast on the Halifax Project investigating the link between low-dose chemical mixtures and cancer
‘PFAS-free’ guides for restaurants and groceries
US NGO Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families releases guides on eliminating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from food packaging used by fast-food restaurants and grocery chains
FPF publishes food contact chemicals database
Researchers led by the Food Packaging Forum (FPF) publish new database identifying over 12,200 distinct chemicals that could be used in manufacture of food contact materials and articles; 29% lacking openly accessible toxicity data; 608 identified as most hazardous, prioritized for substitution; published study and database freely accessible
US FDA developing post-market assessment process for chemicals in food
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) developing assessment process for chemicals already on the market; covers food and color additives, generally recognized as safe (GRAS) substances, food contact chemicals, and non-intentionally added substances; process will be structured based on risk, divided into ‘focused’ and ‘comprehensive’ assessments; informational meeting on the proposal September 25, 2024; public comment period until December 6, 2024
Further ranking of U.S. retailers’ chemical policies
Non-profit organization Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families to evaluate 19 more U.S. retailers regarding their efforts in eliminating toxic chemicals and promoting safer alternatives