News
The Food Packaging Forum reports on recent developments across the food packaging and health field.
August 29, 2024
Environmental Health News reports on process to approve recycled plastic products for food contact; researchers quoted in the article argue that the approach is insufficient; more thorough testing and safety assessments needed
Reading time: 2 minutes
August 28, 2024
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) developing assessment process for chemicals already on the market; covers food and color additives, generally recognized as safe (GRAS) substances, food contact chemicals, and non-intentionally added substances; process will be structured based on risk, divided into ‘focused’ and ‘comprehensive’ assessments; informational meeting on the proposal September 25, 2024; public comment period until December 6, 2024
Reading time: 2 minutes
August 23, 2024
Studies confirm micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in human endometrial tissue, amniotic fluid, placentas, and feces of pregnant people; MNP presence in the endometrium is linked with recurrent miscarriages in humans, apoptosis in organoids, and reduced fertility in mice; higher MNPs exposure from seafood and bottled water consumption
Reading time: 5 minutes
August 23, 2024
Report by the World Benchmarking Alliance assesses companies’ measures to protect the environment; many companies do not follow through on commitments; finds lack of action to reduce plastic waste
Reading time: 1 minute
August 21, 2024
European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare updates guidance document on metals and alloys used for food contact; sets updated Specific Release Limits; assesses safety of various metals based on scientific evidence; emphasizes need for collaboration between stakeholders to minimize health risks from released substances
Reading time: 1 minute
August 16, 2024
Thai Industrial Standards Institute adopts international standard for undertaking life cycle assessments of biobased plastics
Reading time: 1 minute
August 15, 2024
Provides general information on micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs); claims there is no evidence showing health risks; comments on lack of standardized methods for detecting, quantifying, and characterizing MNPs
Reading time: 2 minutes
August 14, 2024
4th phase of Jamaica’s single-use plastics ban now in effect; no importation of single-use food containers made with PE, PP, PLA, or expanded PS; also covers plastic drinking straws; food service providers have until January 9, 2025, to use up existing stock
Reading time: 1 minute
August 13, 2024
Four recent studies explore how to switch to reusable packaging; concerns related to hygiene and return logistics are barriers identified by all studies; cultural and socio-economic factors, the food items, and the setting play major role in the successful rollout; consumer desirability, business viability, sustainability, and technical feasibility are interlocked, and their combined analysis can support the roll-out of reuse systems
Reading time: 5 minutes
August 6, 2024
White House releases plan to reduce impacts of plastic across the entire lifecycle; aims to eliminate single-use plastic in federal food service by 2027, and in all federal operations by 2045
Reading time: 2 minutes
