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
Many unknowns about biodegradable plastics
New scientific review points out shortcomings in biodegradability standards for plastics; lack of toxicity testing; no account for effects of plastic additives, microplastics formation
FDA letter on plastic FCM fluorination
In a letter, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reminds manufacturers, distributors, and users “that only certain fluorinated polyethylene containers are authorized for food contact use”; reminder necessary following recent findings by US EPA and civil society organizations that some manufacturers are not following FDA regulations
High-pressure effects on flexible packaging
High-pressure processing can change functional structures and migration potential from flexible packaging materials; coated and laminated structures most sensitive; more research needed to find most suitable materials and packaging designs
U.S. authorities’, CHEM Trust’s recent efforts on PFAS
U.S. EPA submits proposals for significant new use rule for long-chain PFAS, additions to toxics release inventory; Connecticut PFAS task force publishes draft action plan, proposes to evaluate requiring disclosure of PFAS in products; CHEM Trust publishes briefing on PFAS calling for urgent action on the entire family of chemicals
Regulation of nanomaterials in the EU
JRC study reviews EU legislation on nanomaterials; summarizes different sectors with nano-specific provisions, such as plastic FCM regulation; more research needed to address regulatory questions
Food contact chemicals in life cycle assessment
Scientists present life cycle impact assessment method to include human exposure to chemicals in food packaging, discuss trade-offs, interpretation, data needs, consideration of additional toxicity concerns
California sets safe level for styrene
State of California adopts No Significant Risk Level for styrene of 27 µg/day under Proposition 65; styrene exposure from polystyrene food packaging assumed to be low, likely requiring no warning label