Wall Street Journal (WSJ) article discusses changing attitudes towards plastic in home kitchens; outlines the relatively recent history of plastic in the kitchen and recent cultural shifts towards using more reusable materials for storing and transporting food; FPF compares different reusable options, consumers encouraged to not forget about chemical migration and impacts on human health
Registration of biocides in FCMs
ECHA requires registration of biocides in FCMs falling under the Biocidal Products Regulation by September 1, 2016
PET collection and recycling growing in Europe
Nearly 60% of PET bottles on European market collected for recycling in 2016, according to Petcore Europe report; detailed survey results to be discussed at 2018 Petcore Europe conference
Opinion: Don’t undervalue plastics
UK MEP cautious about drastic measures to eliminate plastics use, highlights benefits of plastic packaging to ensure food safety and reduce food waste, calls for increased recycling and innovation to tackle plastic waste
ANSES to study EDCs and bisphenols
ANSES selects 36 new research projects to be conducted under French national “Environment-Health-Work” research program; includes studies on endocrine disruptors, bisphenols, micro- and nanoplastics
Joint action on PFASs needed
Nordic Council calls for prompt action on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances; suggests measures to take in the areas public awareness, regulation, monitoring, and research
John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight features plastics
Last Week Tonight episode focuses on plastic recycling, reports only nine percent of all plastics recycled, functioning systems only established for polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene; discusses Basel Convention restricting plastic waste trade, criticizes misleading closed-loop recycling claims; recommends targeted bans, introducing extended producer responsibility schemes
BfR statement on polyamide oligomers
German risk assessment institute evaluates migration of polyamide oligomers from kitchen utensils into food; exposure likely to exceed threshold of toxicological concern; call for more toxicity studies
EFSA: Activity 2015 and outlook for 2016-2019
EFSA publishes Annual Activity Report 2015 and a revised version of Programming document with strategic outlook for 2016-2019
Opinion: Lautenberg’s chemical safety reform bill deserves support
New Jersey newspaper publishes plea to support new TSCA reform