Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH) proposes to update its model legislation already adopted in 19 US states; set to ban presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in packaging above detection limit, limit presence of ortho-phthalates to 100 ppm; comments accepted until August 24, 2020
Phthalates detected in US food products
First study to report levels of 9 different phthalates in various food products from the US market
EFSA phthalates working group: 13th meeting
EFSA’s CEP Panel’s working group on phthalates continues working to revise draft opinion on DBP, BBP, DEHP, DINP, DIDP
Restriction of 4 phthalates progressing
ECHA’s Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis issues final opinion in favor of banning endocrine disrupting phthalates DEHP, DBP, DIBP, and BBP in consumer articles; all 4 phthalates relevant for food contact materials
Ultra-processed food intake can increase human exposure to phthalates and microplastics
Two studies analyzed ultra-processed foods for phthalates and microplastics; report that consumption of ultra-processed foods and fast food during pregnancy increases exposure to phthalates; link lower socioeconomic status to increased ultra-processed food consumption and phthalate exposure; find highly-processed protein products in the US to contain significantly more microplastics than minimally-processed products; hypothesize plastic processing equipment to be one main source
EFSA phthalates working group: 11th meeting
EFSA’s CEP Panel working group on phthalates continues work on draft opinion for phthalates reassessment, addresses comments received during public consultation
EFSA publishes draft opinion and protocol for phthalates in FCMs
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) publishes draft opinion on prioritization of phthalates used in food contact materials (FCMs), protocol for dietary exposure assessment of prioritized substances; both documents open for public comment until December 16, 2021
EFSA working group on phthalates: 4th meeting
EFSA’s CEF Panel working group on phthalates reassesses safety of DBP, BBP and DEHP for food contact plastics; updated meeting minutes now available online
U.S. may permanently ban 5 phthalates
U.S. government agency recommends permanent ban of 5 phthalates from toys; substances also used in food contact
Ingestion of phthalates may also be linked to asthma
Irrespective of the route of exposure, a high body burden of phthalates was found to be associated with asthma in Norwegian children