EFSA issues new guidance on the risk assessment of substances in food intended for infants younger than 16 weeks; guidance applies from now on to EFSA food safety assessments
Sweden supports EU restrictions on microplastics
Swedish Chemicals Agency sees need for extended ban on microplastics in cosmetic and other chemical products, endorses restriction at EU level
Database of plastic packaging chemicals
New scientific publication by Food Packaging Forum researchers and partners presents database of chemicals associated with plastic packaging (CPPdb) in detail
India plans ban on single-use plastic items
Government authority publishes draft ban set to come into force in three phases; would ban import, manufacture, and sale of plastic candy and ice cream sticks after January 1, 2022; expands ban to include plates, cups, cutlery, trays, certain wrapping films after July 1, 2022; proposal open for public comment until May 2021
ANEC proposes alternative FCM regulatory approach
European Association for the Coordination of Consumer Representation in Standardization (ANEC) position paper criticizes industry self-control in food contact material (FCM) legislation; recommends set of guiding principles; includes significantly reducing number of approved substances and materials, requiring pre-market authorization for all substances in final materials including non-intentionally added
Evaluating the food safety and risk assessment evidence-base of polyethylene terephthalate oligomers: A systematic evidence map
Webinar on substituting hazardous chemicals
ChemSec held webinar on online tool Marketplace, HCPP project; alternatives assessment for phthalates by Northwest Green Chemistry presented
NGOs challenge FDA’s inaction on perchlorates in antistatics
Several U.S. NGOs file objection to FDA’s decision for continued use of perchlorates in antistatic agents in food packaging; formal public hearing requested
Reviews discuss health hazards of plastics including PFAS
Medical professionals elaborate on health hazards connected with plastic production, use, and waste; give options to reduce impacts on humans and the planet; scientists summarize current knowledge on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) occurrence and migration from food packaging and microplastics
Definition of nanoplastics
Scientists propose defining nanoplastics as unintentionally produced particles sized between 1 to 1000 nm and exhibiting colloidal behavior, discuss future research needs