European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) postpones colloquium on micro- and nano-plastics in food to 6-7 May, 2021 in Lisbon, Portugal
Industry questions need for nano register
New EU proposal for a register on nanomaterials not needed, existing regulations sufficient according to Chemical Industries Association
EFSA EREN: Annual report 2015
EFSA publishes 2015 annual report of Emerging Risks Exchange network (EREN); 13 emerging issues discussed; most issues classify as chemical hazards and refer to increased exposures
Workshop on the Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC)
The Food Packaging Forum to host TTC workshop in October 2013
Perspective: From "forever chemicals" to fluorine-free alternatives
Perspective article in Science argues PFAS substitution is urgently needed due to their persistence, hazards, and recent regulatory actions; avoiding “regrettable substitution” and finding suitable replacements requires a strategic approach; PFAS replacements should have an effective functionality, minimal safety issues, and a minimal environmental footprint; open data sharing can accelerate the discovery, development, and implementation of safer alternatives
EFSA Nano Network report 2017
EFSA’s Network for Risk Assessment of Nanotechnologies in Food and Feed contributes to draft nano-guidance; annual report now available online
Oligomers – presence in FCMs and food, toxicity, challenges
Review summarizes analysis and presence of oligomers in food contact materials (FCMs) made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and polystyrene (PS) including challenges; study suggests ionic strength may influence migration of polyamide (PA) oligomers from PA FCMs
California considers policy on PFAS in food packaging
US state’s Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) holds virtual workshop to collect input from stakeholders on use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in plant fiber-based food packaging; suggests it could decide to limit scope of products considered in upcoming policy, draws criticism from advocacy groups
Survival of coronavirus on surfaces
Live virus particles found on frozen food packaging in China; updated questions and answers series on coronavirus published by the German Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung (BfR)
ECETOC report recommends alternative AFs
European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals (ECETOC) publishes report reviewing derived no-effect levels (DNELs); finds European Chemicals Agency’s default assessment factors (AFs) “in some cases overly conservative”; recommends reviewing and using alternative AFs