European Commission (EC) publishes working document on review of whether the EU Food Contact Material Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004 is fit for purpose; finds regulation is “partly effective” but “overall, the efficiency… appears to be sub-optimal”; presents concerns including lack of specifics for materials other than plastics, non-intentionally added substances, supply chain transparency, oversight, and structure of risk assessments
Phthalates in dairy farm equipment
New report by Coalition for Safer Food Processing & Packaging finds continued use of phthalates in plastic and rubber equipment for dairy farming; potential source of phthalates in dairy products such as milk and cheese
Triclosan to be banned from range of products
Triclosan to be banned from textiles, rubber, paints, plastic films; potential authorization for use as biocide in food contact to be awaited
EU Parliament debates EDCs
Scientific criteria for endocrine disrupting chemicals will be out before the summer 2016, says EU Commissioner during plenary debate
UK reviews biobased and biodegradable plastics
UK government releases report summarizing stakeholders comments regarding bio-based, biodegradable plastics contribution to circular economy; discusses knowledge gaps; finds lower carbon footprint, potential negative impacts on land-use, waste management; determines use of biodegradables should be limited to specific applications; degradation in the open environment unclear
FDA denies action on perchlorates in antistatics
U.S. FDA supports industry petition and revokes use of potassium perchlorate in sealing gaskets for food containers; denies action on NGO petition to revoke perchlorate use in antistatic agents in food contact articles
FDA sued over GRAS program
NGO sues FDA over GRAS notification process, success would force FDA to revert back to pre-1997 rules
Toxic Free Food Act introduced in US
Representative Rosa DeLauro introduces Toxic Free Food Act to United States House of Representatives; bill would require US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to publicly review all chemicals related to food that are currently allowed under the generally recognized as safe (GRAS) rule; novel chemicals and carcinogens would no longer be allowed under GRAS
Opinion: No doubt about migration of FCMs
Voice of Russia UK publishes interview with Jane Muncke of the Food Packaging Forum; chemical migration from FCMs is an established fact
EU: New regulation on official controls
Newly adopted revision of EU Regulation on Official Controls aims at simplifying the control system for food safety along the entire supply chain, foresees increased efficiency in preventing, eliminating or reducing health risks