4th phase of Jamaica’s single-use plastics ban now in effect; no importation of single-use food containers made with PE, PP, PLA, or expanded PS; also covers plastic drinking straws; food service providers have until January 9, 2025, to use up existing stock
Microplastics found in human placenta
Research study finds microplastic in placentas of four healthy women, detected both on the maternal and fetal sides of the placenta, membrane in-between; particles could enter the women’s body through oral or respiratory exposure, potential long-term effects for the fetus to be investigated
EDC implications for health, economy, and policy
New scientific reports summarize implications of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) for human health and implications for economics and policy; call for ‘urgent action to reduce exposure to EDCs’
The Greener Manufacturing Show Europe
BfR: 19th Meeting on consumer goods and FCMs
German Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) publishes minutes of advisory committee meeting discussing European and German legislation on FCMs, methods for the evaluation of paper and board, novel substances for food contact
Culprit of toxic substances in mineral water identified by manufacturer
Swiss newspaper reports interview with Adelbodner CEO Erich Arter, printing inks on PET caps culprit of toxic substances in mineral water
Mineral oils in Christmas chocolates
Bavarian food control authority finds MOSH and MOAH in advent calendar chocolate; Foodwatch recommends avoiding consumption of tainted products and calls for stricter regulation of mineral oils in food
UNWRAPPED Project releases FCM factsheets
Zero Waste Europe announces publication of nine factsheets as part of the UNWRAPPED Project; developed to help communicate human health risks associated with chemicals in food packaging; experts call for industry and policymakers to limit single-use packaging, take precautionary approach towards hazardous chemicals in food packaging
Canadian identification of low hazard substances
Health Canada publishes updated document to support identification of substances with low human health hazard potential; application demonstrated through subset of 14 substances
RSC, animal rights NGOs debate EDC management
Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) position statement promotes risk-based approach to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) post-Brexit; three NGOs argue in favor of increased use of Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) to identify EDCs