News
The Food Packaging Forum reports on recent developments across the food packaging and health field.
February 10, 2021
Study in Environmental Science Technology Letters investigates presence of semi-volatile organic chemicals (SVOCs) and associated changes in microbiome of 79 children with 43 SVOC biomarkers detected; study includes phthalates, phenols, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); less abundant microbes replaced due to higher sensitivity to chemicals, increased abundance of dehalogenation bacteria observed; more extensive studies needed to verify results and understand human health implications
Reading time: 3 minutes
February 9, 2021
Safer States releases analysis on anticipated US toxic chemical regulation; 27 states considering policies across more than 180 bills, primary focus on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); 11 states could eliminate PFAS from food packaging
Reading time: 1 minute
February 9, 2021
Recycling Leadership Council releases recycling blueprint, identifies role of US federal government in modernizing and standardizing recycling system; suggests three areas for political action: clearer data collection and reporting, nationwide standards and definitions, targeted investments in the recycling sector
Reading time: 2 minutes
February 5, 2021
Reproductive epidemiologist Shanna Swan publishes book discussing link between declining sperm count and chemical pollution; describes observed changes in sexual development, effect on long-term health; offers advice on how to protect oneself and unborn life from chemical exposure; upcoming webinar scheduled for February 23, 2021
Reading time: 2 minutes
February 4, 2021
PAC Packaging Consortium free online tool scores product packaging based on factors including material type, weight, reuse/recyclability, renewable/recycled content; provides single score with recommendations for improvement
Reading time: 1 minute
February 4, 2021
European Commission presents plan aimed to better prevent and treat cancer; includes focus on reducing exposure to hazardous substances, links to Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability; Health and Environment Alliance calls on Commission to use the plan in supporting revision of outdated EU food contact material regulations
Reading time: 1 minute
February 4, 2021
Scientific Committee’s Scientific Opinion fails to deliver on European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) commitment to scientific excellence and transparency; Food Packaging Forum (FPF) sends open letter to EFSA’s leadership urging them to address severe shortcomings in content and process; adequate scientific appraisal of non-monotonic dose response (NMDR) is critical for chemical risk assessment that protects public health
Reading time: 2 minutes
February 3, 2021
Food Packaging Forum publishes second episode of new video blog; discusses if low levels of chemicals migrating from food packaging are safe; introduces viewers to the concepts of non-monotonic dose response, endocrine disrupting chemicals, mixture toxicity, and timing of exposure
Reading time: 2 minutes
February 3, 2021
Food Packaging Forum creates video tutorial to guide users through its newly released FCC database; explains methodology behind database structure, how to find chemicals of interest and extract related information
Topics: FCCdb
Reading time: 1 minute
February 2, 2021
Ministry of Environment and Forestry releases new draft on extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations; would require mechanism to control banned or dangerous substances in products; applies to range of products including plastics, rubber, aluminum, glass, paper and carton
Reading time: 1 minute
