Two studies applied computational methods to screen food contact chemicals (FCCs) for carcinogenic properties or interaction with 31 nuclear receptors; one identifies 44 potential carcinogens among 1623 assessed FCCs; other finds more than half of 8091 screened FCCs with high binding affinity for several nuclear receptors
Reaction to public consultation on EDC criteria
CHEM Trust responds to EU Commission’s public consultation on EDC criteria; urges EU institutions to change Commission’s proposal to better protect people and wildlife
EFSA report: Human risk assessment for combined exposure
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) publishes technical report outlining low tier risk assessment methodology for multiple regulated compounds with non-cancer effects; implements EFSA’s MIXTOX guidance document
Communicating and reducing SVHC use
EU project survey finds half of companies do not have ready information to respond to consumer requests about substances of very high concern (SVHCs); Swedish Chemicals Agency develops app to improve SVHC communication; Danish report finds current legislation has reduced SVHC use in Nordic countries
Global Commitment and Brand Audit reports 2019
New Plastics Economy progress report applauds steps taken by signatories, highlights reductions in virgin plastic use by corporations, new policies introduced by governments; reminds readers much still to be done by 2025; Break Free From Plastic publishes 2019 Brand Audit Report, calls on top brands to reduce single-use plastic items
Four acrylates possibly carcinogenic
International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies four acrylates used in food contact materials as possibly carcinogenic to humans; American Chemistry Council criticizes the decision
Collaborative to verify and register safer chemical alternatives
Chem Forward and Sustainable Packaging Coalition launch collaborative to identify, assess, and verify safer alternatives for use in food packaging; plan to develop cloud-based registration system, highlight best practices, develop common agenda to accelerate systemic change
Endocrine effects of parabens
Scientists review evidence on paraben preservatives acting as estrogenic endocrine disruptors; certain effects observed in animals not confirmed in humans; studies on parabens’ effects on immune and nervous system lacking
Reviewing BPA’s toxicity
New study reviews toxicological research of BPA, considers BPA a toxicant to female and potentially male reproductive systems
Microplastics, seafood and human health
Greenpeace UK releases report on microplastics in seafood; compiles most recent academic research; recommends banning mircobeads and generally applying precautionary principle