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
Plastic bags linked to reproductive failures
New study investigates substances from multilayer plastic bags, cause reproductive failures in artificial insemination
Opinion: Avoid FCMs with fluorinated chemicals
Scientists’ public statement recommends consumers to avoid nonstick cookware and grease proof food packaging containing poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs)
New FPF report: New approaches to detect NIAS in FCMs
New peer-reviewed publication addresses major challenge for FCM safety assessment: non-intentionally added substances (NIAS)
Overview of known plastic packaging-associated chemicals and their hazards
Laser marks on German fruit and vegetables
German retailer EDEKA launches laser marks on fruit and vegetables instead of using sticker labels or plastic film
Washington State: draft scope for second PFAS alternatives assessment
Department of Ecology (DoE) for US state of Washington publishes document outlining scope of second alternatives assessment for PFAS in food packaging; defines five specific food packaging applications to focus on: flat serviceware, open-top containers, closed containers, bags and sleeves, and bowls; defines PFAS alternatives to evaluate; currently accepting comments
FCMs topic at EU parliamentary committee
EU Parliament’s Environment Committee exchanges views with the EU Commission on the regulation of food contact materials, requests quicker results and urges for more transparency