Minutes of the 4th meeting of EFSA’s CEP Panel working group on food contact materials now available online; WG continues risk-assessing several new FCMs, discusses prioritization of substances listed in the EU food contact plastics regulation without specific migration limits
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
Nanoclay migration from FCM
Study investigates nanoclay migration from commercialized nanoclay-LDPE food bags; aluminum migrates in both dissolved and nanoparticle forms; also particles of assumed plastic origin found
Web-based intervention reduces EDC exposure levels
Scientists design a web-based behavioral intervention to reduce endocrine disruptor exposure in mothers with young children; involves educational videos and games to affect diet, product use, and other habits; study finds one-month intervention significantly lowers urinary concentration of bisphenol A, triclosan, parabens, and phthalate metabolites
Expanded version of Understanding Packaging (UP) Scorecard released
New version of the UP Scorecard features over 70 additional foodware and food packaging products; simpler navigation across menus, and improved customization of containers; helps companies compare common products to make more sustainable purchasing decisions based on six impact areas
Toxic chemicals and reproductive health
International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics releases statement on effects of toxic environmental chemicals on reproductive health and calls for action to prevent further harm
Obesity increased tenfold in children and teens
New WHO study finds worldwide rise in childhood and teen obesity between 1975 and 2016; NGO discusses metabolic disruptors as contributing factor to obesity epidemic
Slovenian study finds BPA to affect sperm quality
New study finds BPA to affect sperm quality in couples seeking in vitro fertilization; findings not statistically significant
EFSA working group on phthalates: 2nd meeting
EFSA’s CEF Panel working group on phthalates reassesses safety of DBP, BBP and DEHP for food contact plastics; updated meeting minutes now available online
Phthalates linked to preterm births
New study finds significant association between phthalate exposure and premature births, France Agence-Presse recommends pregnant women to avoid phthalate exposure