New method for the detection of contaminants in in recycled paper and paperboard. Significant levels of BPA, DEHP and nonylphenols found in commercial retail samples of recycled paperboard food contact materials.
Call for reducing MOH in foods
Scientist reviews existing toxicological assessments of mineral oil hydrocarbons in foods, calls for lowering acceptable intake levels and phasing out use in food and food contact applications
Opinion: FDA reviews needed
Survey finds consumers increasingly value safety and transparency in their food; Tom Neltner argues that meeting these demands necessitates FDA review of all food product ingredients
NGO recommendations for sustainable chemistry
Position paper by several international NGOs calls for stronger definition of sustainable chemistry, phase-out of hazardous chemicals, internalization of pollution costs, full disclosure of chemical ingredients
Food Contact Materials: A road map to improved safety testing
Jane Muncke form the Food Packaging Forum talks about the new study, “A vision for safer food contact materials: Public health concerns as drivers for improved testing.” The study proposes a concept for improved testing of food contact materials and the chemicals used to make those materials.
Documents suggest plastic recycling never intended to work
EcoWatch article presents evidence that manufacturers knew since 1970s that plastic recycling is not viable economically; recent survey finds only 1/3 of UK food product packaging locally recyclable; manufacturer singles out PET as way forward towards circular economy
ChemSec: REACH authorization process requires improvements
Authorization process shall be smooth and efficient, strong focus on REACH’s original intentions is a must
Study identifies chemicals driving semen quality deterioration
Scientists perform mixture risk assessment on 29 chemicals capable of affecting semen quality; show exposure to chemicals that lead to declined semen quality highly exceed tolerable daily intake in Europe; identify bisphenols, polychlorinated dioxins, paracetamol, and phthalates as risk drivers
Report on chemicals in food packaging
U.S. groups Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund publish report on food packaging chemicals; address health hazards and regulatory failures; call for greater transparency to drive changes in the Californian market place
US Plastics Pact launched
Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Plastics Pact network expands to include US Plastics Pact collaborative with over 60 signatories