News
The Food Packaging Forum reports on recent developments across the food packaging and health field.
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
February 18, 2025
During the third inquiry hearing of the Australian Senate Select Committee on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), drinking water experts and affected community members advocated for broader PFAS ban, upgraded water treatment facilities, investigation into PFAS sources, serious consideration of health impacts
Reading time: 3 minutes
February 14, 2025
Scientists detect more micro- and nanoplastics (MNP) in the human brain than in liver and kidney, higher levels in brains of dementia patients; find MNPs obstruct blood vessels, lead to neurobehavioral abnormalities; MNPs in women’s follicular fluid associated with lower fertilization rates; maternal MNP exposure impairs fertility of female mice offspring; “bioplastic” MNPs induce male reproductive toxicity in mice
Topics: microplastics
Reading time: 6 minutes
February 13, 2025
Health Canda publishes revised risk management scope and updated human health risk characterization of melamine; includes migration from foodware into food as main source of exposure; considers regulatory and non-regulatory actions to reduce dietary exposure in the general population; public comments due on March 26, 2025
Reading time: 2 minutes
February 6, 2025
January 2025 Policy Brief from the Modernizing Hazardous Chemicals Project outlines current challenges with chemical assessment in the EU; proposes new indicators for hazardous substances; makes recommendations to the European Commission
Reading time: 4 minutes
February 5, 2025
Scientists evaluate ultra-processed foods in terms of availability, consumer choice, and regulatory responses; database provides processing degree of foods available in major US grocery stores; effortlessness, affordability, and food marketing make consumers choose ultra-processed and unhealthy foods; current regulatory interventions aim for behavioral change rather than food system transformation
Topics: consumer survey, food
Reading time: 3 minutes
February 4, 2025
Scientists compile open access online database on PFAS applications, functions provided in these applications, and potential functional alternatives; identify 325 PFAS applications, with 40 having suitable substitutions; database enables identification of non-essential PFAS uses
Topics: PFAS
Reading time: 2 minutes
February 3, 2025
European Parliament and World Economic Forum hold sessions discussing the best approaches to plastic regulation after failed global plastics treaty negotiations; agree plastic is a problem, but disagree on how to address it; debate roles of businesses, governments, and international community in future legislations
Reading time: 4 minutes
