2021 Smithers Pira conference covers global developments in food contact regulations and materials including a session on the risk assessment of non-intentionally added substances (NIAS); Marco Zhong outlines efforts China is taking to assess NIAS in recycled and biodegradable materials for safe food contact application; Marinella Vitulli focuses on applied testing schemes for NIAS identification, stresses that the right analytical approach is key
Overview of use, migration, and hazards of PFAS in food contact materials
Peer-reviewed study provides overview of 68 PFAS in food packaging and other food contact articles; majority of detected PFAS not found in regulatory or industry inventories; PFAS data of FCCmigex dashboard updated
Men’s journal advises against phthalates
Men’s Journal reports on increase in exposure to unrestricted phthalates, advises on how to avoid phthalate exposure
Efficient sorting of post-consumer PET
EU research project Polymark develops chemical marker technology to improve identification and sorting of plastic packaging and thus improve recycling
BPS may be adipogenic
Scientists show BPS treatment, similar to BPA, results in increased lipid accumulation and higher expression of adipogenesis-related genes in primary preadipocytes
Plastic additives inventory published
ECHA and Cefic publish inventory of additives added to plastics in EU; identify 419 high volume substances with various functions
Zürich statement on PFASs
Scientists and regulators release ‘Zürich statement on future actions on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs)’
European Parliamentarians host events on food packaging safety
EU Green Week 2023 includes panels discussing food packaging safety and plastics in a circular economy
Case study on different sets of EDC criteria
Industry-sponsored study assesses four natural substances using EU Commission’s different options for criteria to identify endocrine disruptors; highlights need for including potency considerations in EDC criteria
Classification of nanomaterials
JRC and partners of EU project NanoDefine develop strategy for identifying nanomaterials based on particles’ volume specific surface area (VSSA)