U.S. scientists develop nanocomposite film from sweet potato starch, thyme essential oil, and nanoclay; potential applications include packaging of fresh fruits and vegetables
Nanoclay migration from FCM
Study investigates nanoclay migration from commercialized nanoclay-LDPE food bags; aluminum migrates in both dissolved and nanoparticle forms; also particles of assumed plastic origin found
Target presents new sustainable packaging goals
U.S. retailer Target announces new sustainability goals for its own-brand packaging, pledges efforts to improve recycling and increase demand for recycled packaging
Walmart evaluates its chemical footprint
Walmart becomes first retailer to participate in Chemical Footprint Project survey, measuring its use and reduction of chemicals of concern
Mineral oils in oat flakes
German consumer magazine tests oat flakes for contaminants, finds flakes tainted with mineral oils
Revised EDC criteria not adequate, NGOs say
Non-profit organization ChemSec, part of EDC-Free Europe, deems revised EU EDC criteria do not adequately protect public health and environment
EU Parliament: Draft report
European Parliament publishes draft report on the implementation of food contact materials regulation; calls on the European Commission to harmonize regulations for more FCMs, improve on risk assessment and enforcement
EU study on non-harmonized FCMs published
EU Commission’s Joint Research Centre baseline study on non-harmonized food contact materials finds shortcomings in risk assessment practices, disparities among national lists of authorized substances, and lack of testing methods; common standards are needed
The Guardian discusses plastic food container safety
Article introduces recent research quantifying chemicals that could be present in packaging, testing chemical toxicity; emphasizes chemical unknowns, recommends tips for consumers to minimize chemical and plastic particle exposure
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