Scientists develop collisions cross section (CCS) database for leachable and extractable food contact chemicals (FCCs) to help in chemical identification during targeted and untargeted analysis; database covers 1038 CCS values; study tentatively identifies >100 migrants from 24 plastic food packaging articles including 11 that are of potential concern or are priority hazardous substances
Stakeholders comment on farm to fork strategy
Non-governmental organizations call for improved and mandatory sharing of chemical and safety data across packaging supply chain; industry associations request clear regulations, more harmonization of EU rules
China calls for comments on food contact substances
China’s National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment solicits comments on new food contact substances and resins, expanded uses
EC publishes working documents on EDC fitness check
European Commission (EC) publishes set of staff working documents detailing outcomes of the fitness check on endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs); recommends simplifications, moving towards single assessment approach, applying data generated within other legislation to food contact materials, considering mixtures
EFSA phthalates working group: 12th meeting
EFSA’s CEP Panel working group on phthalates continues working to revise draft opinion of DBP, BBP, DEHP, DINP, DIDP
Prevalence and trends of diabetes in the U.S.
New study finds that about 50% of U.S. Americans had diabetes or pre-diabetes in 2011-2012; diabetes prevalence stabilizing since 2008
JRC: New nanomaterial platform
European research center releases online nanomaterial platform, integrates information currently dispersed across the web
Chemicals in Plastic Packaging: Challenges for Regulation and the Circular Economy
Microplastics in food-grade salts
New study finds microplastics in 90% of tested salt brands worldwide; microplastic contamination of sea salts correlates with plastic pollution in surrounding seawater
Nanoparticles in FCMs: Benefits and limitations
Scientists discuss the use of nanoparticles in food packaging materials, focusing on gaps in knowledge on their migration, toxicity, influence on biopolymer degradability