Germany, Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden jointly inform the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) of their intention to submit a REACH restriction dossier on PFAS in 2022; stakeholders can contribute information to inform the dossier’s development until September 19, 2021
What should be included in UN Plastics Treaty negotiations?
International negotiators prepare for first meeting to negotiate the UN treaty to end plastic pollution; scientists, civil society organizations, and governmental bodies publish reports proposing suggestions for what and how to negotiate; many reports support including controls on chemical additives as part of the treaty
MigraTox: Optimizing in vitro testing of FCMs
Austrian Research Institute for Chemistry and Technology (OFI) initiates MigraTox project to work on optimizing and standardizing sample preparation and bioassays for in vitro testing of food contact materials; focuses on genotoxicity assays; calls on industrial partners to collaborate and provide samples
Draft EU directive on single-use plastics leaked
EU Commission’s draft proposal to reduce plastic pollution plans banning certain single-use plastic items, making producers pay for clean-up and recycling, requiring EU Member States to collect plastic bottles
Ways towards more sustainable packaging
Brands, packaging producers and other stakeholders gather in Barcelona to discuss sustainable packaging; current focus on increasing recycling, but packaging reduction and reuse are the mid-term aims; chemical safety only touched upon briefly
Chemicals of concern in baby and toddler diet
French food safety agency assesses dietary exposure of children under 3 to chemicals; identifies 16 substances of concern and recommends reducing exposure; more data needed for substances migrating from FCMs
California modifies draft circular economy bill
State lawmakers adapt proposed legislation on single use packaging and recycling following stakeholder discussions, keep target for 75% recycling rate by 2030, add language regarding material neutral treatment and use of a stakeholder advisory panel
New York: Bloomberg to propose ban of polystyrene food packaging
New York’s mayor Bloomberg tries to increase plastic recycling through banning plastic foam food packaging
GRAS petitions: Trade secrets vs. public disclosure
Food Safety News argues that spotlight on GRAS notification process may shift line between trade secrets and public disclosure
Universal fetal exposure to BPA
New study suggests high and potentially hazardous levels of BPA in fetuses