Silent Spring Institute publishes report investigating PFAS exposure, finds consuming home-cooked meals reduces exposure compared to restaurant consumption; U.S. state of Washington to focus on paper wraps and liners during alternatives assessment; U.S. presidential candidate pledges to label substance class as hazardous substances
Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Europe 29th Annual Meeting
Stakeholders anticipate Biden’s changes to US chemicals regulations
President-elect’s environmental justice plan specifically targets ‘frontline’ communities affected most by chemical pollution, set to recognize per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as hazardous under US law; critics concerned over appointment of transition team member with history of defending PFAS manufacturers
Ubuntoo to connect changemakers
New digital platform Ubuntoo aims to promote innovative solutions to ending plastic pollution, seeks to connect ‘changemakers’ working on the issue around the world
French retailers restrict mineral oils in food
Six French retailers set limit values for MOSH and MOAH in their own-brand food products
US NGOs: FDA must reassess safety of BPA
US scientists, public health and environmental organizations submit formal petition to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requesting it to restrict or remove current bisphenol A approvals for use in food packaging; cite new scientific evidence showing safe exposure level 5,000-times below FDA’s current limit
Estrogen activity-free baby bottles
Companies CertiChem and PlastiPure – previously sued and found guilty for claiming estrogen activity of plastic Tritan™ – launch their own estrogen activity-free baby bottle
ECHA: SVHC roadmap progress report
ECHA reports on activities to identify substances of very high concern in 2015; focus on endocrine disrupting chemicals
Civil Eats review article: PFAS in food packaging
Presents overview of recent efforts from packaging industry, civil society, and regulators in regard to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food packaging; widespread awareness and focus on pollution and alternatives bring the issue into public spotlight
15th amendment to EU plastic FCM regulation published
European Commission publishes final text further amending Regulation 10/2011 on plastic food contact materials and articles; includes introduction of approved use of new substances, updates specific migration limits, allows for migration testing of entire food processing equipment