News
The Food Packaging Forum reports on recent developments across the food packaging and health field.
March 24, 2023
Scientists analyze 140 Canadian samples of food packaging and thermal labels; first to demonstrate that bisphenol S (BPS) and alternative chemicals found in food labels migrate through packaging materials into food; study assesses levels of BPS and other bisphenols in 79 canned Turkish foods; detect BPS in six samples in levels up to 0.036 mg/kg food
Reading time: 4 minutes
March 23, 2023
OECD releases three reports; reviews approaches to support alternatives assessment and substitution of chemicals of concern
Topics: chemicals of concern, OECD
Reading time: 1 minute
March 22, 2023
UK-based organization publishes roadmap to reducing food waste and single-use plastic packaging; targets selling 50% of fruits and vegetables loose by 2030; aims to support retailers and other stakeholders in reaching UK Plastics Pact targets
Reading time: 1 minute
March 21, 2023
Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health publishes extensive report summarizing plastics’ effects across life cycle on human health, environment, and the economy; health effects cost society hundreds of billions every year; report includes actions for “governments and industries to minimize the negative consequences of global plastic contamination”
Topics: BPA, human health, microplastics, nanoplastics, PFAS, phthalates, plastic, pollution, supply chain
Reading time: 4 minutes
March 17, 2023
Researchers from the University of Notre Dame detect PFAS & PFCAs in food stored in fluorinated high-density polyethylene (HDPE) containers for one week; authors recommend regulations on food contact uses
Reading time: 1 minute
March 16, 2023
Trade body PlasticsEurope loses fourth legal case concerning regulations of bisphenol A (BPA); European Court of Justice supports ECHA’s classification of BPA as substance of high very high concern (SVHC)
Reading time: 1 minute
March 15, 2023
Several articles published since the beginning of 2023 have analyzed plastic particles in packaged foods and beverages, including salt, sugar, canned fish, bottled water, soft drinks, and cold tea; draw a connection to packaging and food processing; migration studies demonstrate particle release from plastic food containers and breastmilk storage bags; review develops 10 criteria for data quality assessment and find most studies “unreliable” on one or more criteria
Topics: exposure, microplastics
Reading time: 8 minutes
March 15, 2023
Ministry of Justice proposes tax increase on non-biodegradable packaging and new tax on single-use expanded polystyrene food packaging
Reading time: 1 minute
March 14, 2023
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) adds 2 new coatings and a microbial agent to its Inventory of Effective Food Contact Substances (FCS)
Reading time: 1 minute
March 13, 2023
Scientists perform target and non-target screening of recycled plastics and provide recommendations on methods; detect >280 organic chemicals and metals in 21 plastic flakes and pellets used in recycling; analyze several recycled polymers and find polyethylene terephthalate (PET) the only one currently complying with European circular economy requirements; compare analytical methods to assess the chemical composition of recyclates giving their strenghts and limitations
Reading time: 7 minutes
