Scientists explore adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) associated with bisphenols, phthalates, perchlorate, food additives, microplastics; discuss ways of using AOPs to predict chemical hazards, assess mixture toxicity
Ukraine aligning FCM regulations with EU
Ukraine’s Ministry of Health notifies World Trade Organization of a draft restriction on vinyl chloride in contact with food; restriction aligns with a 1978 European Council declaration on vinyl chloride in food contact materials (FCMs); ministry announces other alignments including on migration of lead and cadmium from ceramic FCMs
France: Second national strategy on EDCs
France publishes second national strategy on endocrine disrupting chemicals; plans creation of EDC list in 2020, followed by education campaigns; calls for tighter and more harmonized EDC regulations EU-wide; allocates funds to support EDC research
Hazardous Chemicals in Plastic Packaging (HCPP) Project
The Food Packaging Forum is leading a multi-partner research project on “Hazardous chemicals in plastic packaging: State of the art, prioritization, and assessment.” The project runs from 2017 until 2019.
New study highlights limits of personal choices aimed at reducing EDC exposure, contradicts previous research
Neither expert recommendations nor dietary intervention led to significant reduction in food-packaging derived EDC body burden, reports new US study. Regulatory action is called for to ensure food safety.
Conference: Sustainability in packaging
Smithers Pira held “Sustainability in Packaging Europe” event on October 24-26, 2017 in Barcelona; speakers addressed plastic and packaging waste, packaging design, food waste, packaging machinery, and food brands’ activities
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
Fitness check of non-REACH chemical policies
EU Commission publishes results of fitness check for EU’s chemicals policies (excluding REACH), confirms ‘high level of protection’ provided by current legislation, acknowledges implementation challenges
FDA still to address ortho-phthalates
NGO calls on U.S Food and Drug Administration to rule on three outstanding petitions regarding the use of ortho-phthalates in contact with food
EFSA updates independence policy
EFSA publishes revised independence policy including new elements to avoid conflicts of interest; NGO remains critical of EFSA’s ties to food industry