EU Parliament’s Environment and Public Health Committee adopts draft EU directive on polluting single-use plastics and marine litter; European Parliament (EP) publishes key facts about plastic in the oceans, informs about the impact of litter and actions for reduction
Formaldehyde confirmed to cause cancer
National Academy of Sciences issues second review on formaldehyde’s carcinogenicity
“Plastic Health” web channel launched
Plastic Soup Foundation launches “Plastic Health” web series discussing latest scientific evidence; announces publication of expert opinions, interviews on hazards of microplastics, nanoplastics, and additives
Disagreement over ECHA's SVHC database
Opposing positions taken by industry, NGOs, scientific expert with regard to ECHA’s planned database on SVHCs in products
French NGOs demand action on nanomaterials
Eight French NGOs send open letter to country’s prime minister calling for labeling and restriction of nanomaterials in consumer products
Manufacturers share PFAS-free packaging recipe
Companies Zume and Solenis release recipe and manufacturing specifications to produce molded fiber packaging free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); alternative suitable for high temperatures, grease and water-resistant; decide to make the process freely available to speed the transition to safer packaging materials
Dirty Dozen of food additives and food contact substances
NGO issues list of most hazardous food additives including food contact materials
EFSA publishes final opinion and protocol for phthalates in FCMs
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) publishes final scientific opinion on prioritization of phthalates used in food contact materials (FCMs), protocol for dietary exposure assessment of prioritized substances; documents remain largely the same as the drafts with addition of a few substances and more clarity on the prioritization process; EFSA calls for information on migration of phthalates and other plasticizers in FCMs, input being accepted from June 1 to November 1, 2022
Conference on Chinese food and packaging laws
Law firm Keller & Heckman LLP holds first conference on China’s food and food packaging laws on September 11-12, 2018, in Shanghai; registration now open
Australia and New Zealand: Is FCM safety system appropriate?
Food Standards Australia New Zealand seeks information on food packaging safety, publishes consultation paper