The Intercept reports four career staff members of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) claim that the agency is hiding risks discovered in toxicological assessments of chemicals; plans additional follow-up articles to further investigate the claims
Hormonal activity of food contact materials: New research findings from Austria
Polystyrene sample found to be estrogenic and antiandrogenic in two different in vitro assays, other food contact materials’ overall migrate tested positive for estrogenicity in some cases, no final verdict on hormonal active chemicals’ identities
Alternative plasticizer approved by EPA
Non-ortho-phthalate plasticizer listed as Safer Choice chemical, approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency
EU Member States to risk-assess 117 substances in 2017-2019
ECHA and EU Member States propose list of 117 substances to be evaluated for risk to human health and environment; list features 4 substances relevant for FCMs
Green chemistry requires knowledge in toxicology
Green Chemistry & Commerce Council addresses chemists’ lack of toxicology training and resulting impediments for green chemistry at U.S. Congress
Restaurant food likely source of phthalate exposure
New study evaluates NHANES data and finds link between food consumption at restaurants, cafeterias, fast-food outlets and increased urinary phthalate levels
New form of PLA seen as beneficial for application in hot food packaging
Researchers develop a more thermally resistant form of polylactic acid (PLA) plastic; provides clear, tough, and heat resistant material with the potential to expand PLA market application and reduce price
Opinion: Use of plastic packaging must stop
Former CEO of UK’s retailer Asda claims that recycling alone cannot solve ‘plastic proliferation crisis;’ calls on supermarkets to replace plastic packaging by alternative packaging, proposes creating ‘plastic-free aisles’
EFSA consultation on chlorinated paraffins
European Food Safety Authority publishes draft scientific opinion on risks posed by chlorinated paraffins in food, opens public consultation until September 17, 2019
Target presents new sustainable packaging goals
U.S. retailer Target announces new sustainability goals for its own-brand packaging, pledges efforts to improve recycling and increase demand for recycled packaging