EFSA’s CEP Panel working group on phthalates reassesses safety of DBP, BBP and DEHP for food contact plastics; updated meeting minutes now available online
Opinion: EFSA does not consult industry sufficiently on food contact materials
The active and intelligent packaging industry is concerned that a European positive list will be published without industry consultation
New database on harmful effects of chemicals
National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, and Danish Environmental Protection Agency launch database containing over 600,000 chemical structures and (Q)SAR data on potential associated harmful effects
EFSA meets stakeholders on TTC
EFSA convenes stakeholders and international experts on Threshold of Toxicological Concern
Extended timeline: EFSA to publish BPA report in November
EFSA publicly consult on the scientific opinion on BPA in July, before publishing the final version in November
Cumulative effects on brain development
NRDC researcher calls upon the FDA to address cumulative effects of food additives on brain development
EFSA assesses liquid absorber for use in FCMs
EFSA’s CEP Panel considers polyacrylic acid, sodium salt, cross‐linked safe for use in plastic food contact materials under certain conditions and for indirect food contact only
EFSA assesses chemical mixture for use in active packaging
EFSA’s CEF Panel considers mixture of carboxymethylcellulose, acetylated distarch phosphate, bentonite, boric acid, and aluminum sulfate safe for use as liquid absorber under intended conditions of use
Immunomodulatory effects of EDCs
Scientists review studies reporting that some endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can affect development and functions of human immune cells; consequences include altered responses to infections and development of immune related diseases; food contact material (FCM)-relevant immunomodulatory EDCs include bisphenols, phthalates, triclosan
Environmental risk assessment across fields
Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM) and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) hold joint symposium on environmental risk assessment, see ‘urgent need for harmonization of environmental risk assessment in different scientific fields’