Study led by U.S. National Institutes of Health finds SARS-CoV-2 virus remains on plastic and stainless steel for up to three days, cardboard up to one day; raises concerns regarding packaging as a potential vector for spreading the virus, potential need to wash or quarantine packaged products at home
Mandatory updating of REACH dossiers
European Commission’s implementing regulation makes updating of REACH dossiers mandatory, sets defined deadlines for specific cases according to updates’ complexity
What’s new in bioplastics?
12th annual European Bioplastics conference discusses food brand owners’ use of bioplastics, biodegradable solutions for multilayer food packaging, and production of new polymer PEF
EFSA assesses ‘RecyPET Hungária’ recycling process
EFSA’s CEP Panel considers recycling process ‘RecyPET Hungária’ insufficiently characterized with regard to decontamination efficiency to produce safe recycled PET
Vote on EDC criteria scheduled
Next meeting of EU Commission and Member States on revised criteria to identify endocrine disrupters to take place on May 17-18, 2017; vote foreseen despite persisting concerns
Experts question US FDA’s safety assessment of recycled plastics
Environmental Health News reports on process to approve recycled plastic products for food contact; researchers quoted in the article argue that the approach is insufficient; more thorough testing and safety assessments needed
Recent innovations in packaging
Companies present paper-based packaging for alcoholic beverages, multipack cans; new designs and materials for better recyclability; more products reported to use 100% recycled plastics
EFSA updates criteria for evaluating PET recycling processes
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) updates its guidelines for assessing PET recycling processes for materials intended for food contact; applicants must include information on collection, pre-processing, decontamination, post-processing, and intended use; potential dietary exposure of contaminants must not exceed 0.0025 μg/kg body weight per day
EFSA: Safety assessment of 2 PET recycling processes
EFSA’s CEF Panel considers post-consumer PET recycling processes ‘Coveris’ and ‘ExtruPET’ safe for contact with almost all types of foodstuffs
FDA guidance for infant food FCMs
U.S. Food and Drug Administration releases guidance for preparation of food contact notifications for substances in contact with formula or milk