European Commission Joint Research Centre develops analytical methods for determining BPA and 12 similar substances in food
Phthalate-alternative linked to metabolic disruption
New study shows metabolite of plasticizer DINCH induces fat cell formation
Decision matrix for EDCs
German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment proposes extended assessment criteria to identify endocrine disruptors under European regulation
Opinion: EDC guidance “doomed to fail”
PAN Europe criticizes draft guidance for identifying endocrine disruptors published by EFSA and ECHA; too much focus on mode of action of chemicals, precautionary principle overlooked, organization claims
EU Member States adopt revised EDC criteria for pesticides
Member States vote in favor of EU Commission’s new proposal for criteria to identify endocrine disrupting pesticides; exemption for substances with intentional endocrine activity removed; NGOs criticize remaining high burden of proof
Sources of PFASs exposure in humans
Scientists examine associations between exposure factors and levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in humans; compare several methods of dietary exposure assessment; food contact articles significantly contributed to PFASs intakes
Microplastics in food: occurrence, source, detection, and perception
Three studies investigate microplastics in foods; review summarizes particle migration from food packaging into honey and calls for universal analysis methods; research study presents analytical method to detect and identify microplastics in certain foods; survey finds public seems unaware of food packaging as microplastic source and seldomly connects microplastics with human health consequences
P&P conference 2018
Smithers Pira’s annual conference on “Plastics & paper in contact with foodstuffs” covers regulatory updates, summarizes industry initiatives, discusses future developments
Predicting endocrine disruptors
National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark develops QSAR models to predict chemicals potentially affecting thyroid hormones
Independent panel recommends considerable changes to US FDA
Reagan-Udall Foundation publishes independent evaluation of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) human foods program; provides 32 recommendations concerning agency culture, structure, resources, and authorities