News
The Food Packaging Forum reports on recent developments across the food packaging and health field.
February 10, 2020
Analysis from Safer States finds 29 U.S. states currently considering over 180 chemicals policies; focus placed largely on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) with 13 states specifically considering restrictions on PFAS in food packaging; Wisconsin opens online survey for PFAS Action Council until February 21, 2020
Reading time: 2 minutes
February 10, 2020
European Commission opens feedback period on its upcoming ‘Beating Cancer Plan,’ targets improving cancer prevention in the EU; exposure to chemicals seen as relevant environmental risk factor to be addressed
Reading time: 1 minute
February 6, 2020
European Commissioner for the Internal Market (DG Grow) commits to removing hazardous substances from material cycles in first address to Parliamentary committee on environment; aims to harmonize rules for substances of very high concern (SVHCs), update REACH legislation to manage endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs)
Reading time: 1 minute
February 6, 2020
Fashion retailer H&M and Danish retailer Coop join ChemSec initiative calling for phase-out of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from products and supply chains; Belgian premier of film ‘Dark Waters’ includes panel debate in European Parliament with director and lead actor
Topics: PFAS
Reading time: 2 minutes
February 6, 2020
European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety responds to CHEM Trust regarding concerns with current EU food contact material legislation, recognizes stakeholder concerns, promises to move ahead with prioritization of harmful substances including endocrine disruptors
Reading time: 2 minutes
February 4, 2020
European Parliament votes to block political group’s objection to classifying the substance as a category 2 carcinogen; formal approval for classification now needed from Parliament and Council of Ministers before coming into force 18 months later
Topics: regulation
Reading time: 1 minute
February 4, 2020
Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) launches proficiency testing of laboratories providing services to measure heavy metal concentrations in foods; results to inform Baby Foods Council, help stakeholders identify capable laboratories
Topics: compliance, metals
Reading time: 1 minute
February 4, 2020
Industry association wants stronger links to bioeconomy within European Green Deal, outlines seven recommendations to enhance circular economy action plan
Topics: bioplastics
Reading time: 1 minute
February 4, 2020
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) publishes technical report outlining low tier risk assessment methodology for multiple regulated compounds with non-cancer effects; implements EFSA’s MIXTOX guidance document
Topics: mixture toxicity, risk assessment
Reading time: 1 minute
February 4, 2020
EFSA assesses safety of bis(2-ethylhexyl)cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylate (DEHCH) for use as plasticizer in PVC; concluded to present no safety concerns; uncertainty remains about bioaccumulation potential in humans
Reading time: 1 minute
