New study detects high urinary BPA in prostate cancer patients, cellular changes in prostate cells at low levels of exposure
Reverse causation bias in PFOA studies
Scientists suggest increased perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) blood levels are consequence of early menopause and kidney disease, not cause
New method for analysis of BPA in recycled food contact paper
Spanish study shows new and fast method allows for an accurate determination of bisphenol-type compounds and measured BPA in all analyzed recycled materials.
EFSA: Updated risk assessment of five phthalates
European Food Safety Authority publishes updated risk assessment for the phthalates DBP, BBP, DEHP, DINP, DIDP; retains developed group and individual tolerable daily intake limits; finds no current public health concern but cautions that values set are temporary due to uncertainties
Migration from aged polycarbonate plastics
Scientists examine influence of ageing on the migration of oligomers and coloring agents from polycarbonate tableware; higher migration of degradation products from older and damaged plastics, colorants from newer products
US EPA announces national recycling strategy
New strategy sets out five objectives including improving markets for recycled commodities, increasing collection, and standardizing measurements; sets nationwide recycling rate target of 50% by 2030; agency to work with stakeholders over coming months on implementation
Study measures PFAS in UK food packaging
Fidra publishes report testing for presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in 92 samples of fiber-based food packaging from UK supermarkets and take away restaurants; finds 18 have total organic fluorine levels above background concentration; highest concentrations in molded fiber take away boxes
Tracking action on plastic pollution
National Geographic raises awareness about the global plastic waste crisis, publishes running list of actions against plastic pollution
WEF webinar discusses plastic pollution and the green recovery
World Economic Forum (WEF) webinar features presentations investigating environmental challenges created by COVID-19 pandemic; discusses effects on the shift away from single-use plastics and on ability to recycle, reviews strategies for moving forward
FDA updating FCM risk assessment
ILSI North America holds first public food packaging conference; several FDA speakers shared updates from ongoing work in pre- and post-market FCM risk assessment