Described as being world’s first; manufactured from ‘sustainably sourced wood,’ said to be fully recyclable and adhering to food-safety standards; first bottle to be released in early 2021
EU Commission solicits comments on draft REACH update requirements
European Commission draft implementing regulations specifies when registrants should update REACH dossiers following changes; public feedback period open until January 15, 2020
Call for EU rules on paper packaging
European study finds paper packaging can release primary aromatic amines, UV filters; European consumer organization BEUC calls for ‘strict’ EU-wide laws to ensure safety of food contact paper and board
Ultra-processed food intake can increase human exposure to phthalates and microplastics
Two studies analyzed ultra-processed foods for phthalates and microplastics; report that consumption of ultra-processed foods and fast food during pregnancy increases exposure to phthalates; link lower socioeconomic status to increased ultra-processed food consumption and phthalate exposure; find highly-processed protein products in the US to contain significantly more microplastics than minimally-processed products; hypothesize plastic processing equipment to be one main source
Migration of nitrosamines from FCMs
Scientists develop analytical method to measure N-nitrosamines migrating from elastomeric food contact materials; 6 nitrosamines detected frequently; BfR-recommended limit exceeded for one styrene block copolymer sample
Drinking water source and human antimony levels
A study published in the scientific peer-reviewed Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology assessed human exposure to antimony. Antimony concentrations measured in people showed no conclusive association with drinking water sources, even though antimony is used in PET bottles. Levels in women were higher indicating the need for additional research into possible sex-specific effects.
Fluorotelomers in bio-based paper FCMs
Fluorotelomer alcohols measured in paper FCMs; high levels found in ‘eco-friendly’ bio-based paper packaging; metabolic transformation to hazardous perfluorinated acids possible
Majority of plastic food contact articles likely endocrine and metabolism disrupting
Two studies investigating chemicals from retail plastic food contact articles find considerable variability in complexity, with subsequent effects on cell-based tests of hormone disruption; many more chemicals measured from PVC and polyurethane than other polymers though the chemical mixtures from majority of the plastic samples are hormone disrupting; further evidence of PVC and PUR can interfere with GPCR-based cell communication
Study links phthalate exposure and thyroid function in humans
Scientific study investigates effect of plasticizer exposure during pregnancy on thyroid function; outcomes suggest several phthalate metabolites disrupt thyroid hormone levels; finds association of phthalate-alternative DINCH with thyroxine levels
Canada identifies four parabens for toxic substances list
Government publishes draft screening assessment of 7 parabens, identifies 4 to present danger to human health or environment at current levels of exposure; proposed risk management published; findings open for public comment until May 13, 2020