News
The Food Packaging Forum reports on recent developments across the food packaging and health field.
March 27, 2025
New version of Understanding Packaging (UP) Scorecard launched; applies an updated chemicals of concern list, provides access to a new interactive user guide, and allows users to compare entire portfolios of foodware and packaging products
Reading time: 2 minutes
March 19, 2025
Scientists of the Food Packaging Forum (FPF) comment on public consultation on re-assessment of public health risks related to plastic food contact materials containing styrene; find the draft opinion’s scope is insufficient; raise concerns about reliance on industry-funded research and lack of transparency
Reading time: 2 minutes
March 18, 2025
Nature commentary highlights common limitations of microplastic studies in human samples: small sample sizes, lack of controls, lack of biological plausibility; proposes international working group to advance microplastic research focused on transparency, collaboration, and rigorous standards
Topics: microplastics
Reading time: 2 minutes
March 13, 2025
Food Packaging Forum (FPF) scientists submit comments to FDA’s public consultation; urge for comprehensive safety assessment using a hazard-based approach, systematic testing frameworks on groups of chemicals, and increasing transparency during all evaluation stages; call for clear separation between risk assessment and risk management; provide scientific resources
Reading time: 3 minutes
March 12, 2025
The Food Packaging Forum updates its Database on Migrating and Extractable Food Contact Chemicals (FCCmigex); now includes scientific studies up to May 2024; encompasses 5,300 chemicals, 1,500 studies, and over 35,500 database entries
Reading time: 2 minutes
March 12, 2025
Safer States’ 2025 Analysis of State Legislation Addressing Toxic Chemicals and Plastics shows at least 32 US states will likely consider regulations to reduce, eliminate, or improve the transparency of toxic chemicals and plastics in 2025
Reading time: 1 minute
March 10, 2025
Scientists analyze a diversity of food samples available on the Belgian market for the presence of 110 printing ink and adhesive chemicals; detect target compounds in 39 out of 52 samples; chemicals include suspect carcinogen and caprolactam above legislative limit; while there is no European printing ink regulation, national positive lists exist for Switzerland and Germany
Reading time: 3 minutes
March 6, 2025
Article published in Communications Earth & Environment explores plastics in food systems as a major driver of plastic and chemical pollution; calls for this to be reflected across food systems discussions, greater monitoring efforts and interdisciplinary research to close knowledge gaps; harmonized and whole system approach needed to avoid unintended consequences of future policies; next UN-led negotiations for a global plastics treaty in August 2025 present a key opportunity to address this issue
Reading time: 2 minutes
March 4, 2025
Study investigates whether California’s consumer right-to-know law, Proposition 65, prompted large manufacturers and retailers to reduce use of listed chemicals in products.
Topics: bisphenol S, regulation
Reading time: 2 minutes
February 24, 2025
Two studies compare (toxic) chemicals found in recycled versus virgin plastics; recycled plastics have elevated levels of chemicals of concern, e.g., of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and higher hazard index; decontamination measures during recycling processes are key to reducing chemical toxicity; scientists provide five policy strategies to tackle hazardous chemicals in recycled plastics
Reading time: 4 minutes
