News
The Food Packaging Forum reports on recent developments across the food packaging and health field.
June 27, 2024
Recent studies explore the presence and migration of diverse synthetic antioxidants in Chinese food contact materials (FCMs); both phosphite antioxidants and synthetic phenolic antioxidants are commonly found; typically, FCMs contain several mg of synthetic antioxidants per kg FCM and may be the primary source of exposure to synthetic antioxidants; some commonly found antioxidants are suspected endocrine disruptors
Reading time: 4 minutes
June 25, 2024
Japan finalizes structure of positive list for synthetic polymer containing utensils, containers, and packaging for food contact; lists 21 approved polymer types and 827 approved additives; consultation on additional additives ongoing; positive list system must be fully implemented by manufacturers by June 2025
Reading time: 2 minutes
June 24, 2024
A recent study explores the diversity of chemicals migrating from food contact articles into food simulants; 73% of extractable chemicals also migrated to food simulants; only 2% could be matched to currently known plastic chemicals; all migrates activated nuclear receptors, may disrupt metabolism or the endocrine system; migrates from PUR, PVC and LDPE contained more chemicals than other tested polymers and were more toxic
Reading time: 3 minutes
June 20, 2024
New study examines long-term effects of polystyrene (PS) nanoplastics on mitochondrial health under realistic exposure conditions; repeated exposure to PS nanoplastics impaired mitochondrial function and cell differentiation process, possibly linked to metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and obesity; other recent studies found that PS micro- and nanoplastics negatively affect immune function, pregnancy outcomes, and gut health in various models
Reading time: 3 minutes
June 18, 2024
EU expert committee passes ban of bisphenol A in food contact materials; ban will likely be enacted by the end of 2024 with a transition period before coming into force
Reading time: 2 minutes
June 17, 2024
Study of colon cancer cell lines finds polystyrene micro and nanoplastic particles (MNPs) can be absorbed into cancerous cells in experimental settings; the more aggressive cell line absorbed the most MNPs and presence of MNPs increased cell movement; evidence of persistence and bioaccumulation; authors argue MNPs fit criteria as substance of concern under REACH
Reading time: 3 minutes
June 10, 2024
Ministry of Production proposes technical regulation on plastic bags to reduce use of harmful substances, increase recycled content, and decrease microplastics production; also bans unsupported claims like “eco-friendly”, “green”, etc.; proposal open for comment until August 14, 2024
Reading time: 2 minutes
June 7, 2024
Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) publishes new standard for plastic bags in contact with food including limits on heavy metals and temperature requirements; published new standard for single-use wooden utensils earlier in 2024; Industry Minister instructs TISI to increase pace to control other articles
Reading time: 1 minute
June 6, 2024
European Joint Research Centre (JRC) publishes document to guide designers and assessors through the application of the voluntary Safe and Sustainable by Design framework; describes the steps of the framework, how to define system, frequently asked questions, and suggestions for where to find more information; following framework does not guarantee EU regulatory compliance; European Commission accepting feedback until August 30, 2024
Reading time: 1 minute
June 5, 2024
Washington state Department of Ecology publishes list of seven new priority chemical groups for future regulatory scrutiny as part of the Safer Products for Washington program; includes lead, cadmium, and formaldehyde; earlier in 2024, Washington passed the strongest regulation on lead in cookware in the US
Reading time: 2 minutes
