ECHA’s risk assessment and socio-economic committees agree with restriction proposal for 6 per- and polyfluorinated substances; CLP classifications adopted for four other FCM-relevant substances
Sources of PFASs exposure in humans
Scientists examine associations between exposure factors and levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in humans; compare several methods of dietary exposure assessment; food contact articles significantly contributed to PFASs intakes
Factsheet on safety of reuse during COVID-19 pandemic
UPSTREAM publication answers seven frequently asked questions on the safety of reusable products such as packaging and food service ware; emphasizes that single-use products are not safer than reusable ones, food safety regulations ensure proper cleaning and sanitation of reusable products
Sludge as observatory for chemical exposure
New study proposes to assess sludge as a proxy for human exposure; improving chemical risk assessment of chemicals of emerging concern
“Microwave-safe” food containers
TIME article addresses chemical migration from “microwave-safe” plastic containers into food and ways to reduce chemical exposure
CDC release updated human exposure data
CDC release updated human exposure data from NHANES on food contact substances
Updated draft of German mineral oil ordinance
German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture proposes requiring use of a functional barrier in food contact materials containing recycled paper; exemptions can be granted by demonstrating migration below 0.5 mg MOAH/kg food or 0.15 mg MOAH/kg food simulant; comments accepted until November 18, 2020
Technical solutions for studying microplastics
Overview papers discuss characterization and identification of microplastics by techniques based on (micro-)Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
Manufacturers share PFAS-free packaging recipe
Companies Zume and Solenis release recipe and manufacturing specifications to produce molded fiber packaging free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); alternative suitable for high temperatures, grease and water-resistant; decide to make the process freely available to speed the transition to safer packaging materials
German printing ink ordinance comes into force
Federal Council adopts 21st Amendment to Consumer Goods Ordinance regulating printing inks and varnishes that directly or indirectly contact food; includes updated positive list of monomers, additives, colorants, solvents, and photoinitiators; phase in period set until the end of December 2026