EFSA invites BPA stakeholders for discussion of scientific opinions on risk assessment of BPA; stakeholders from national agencies, NGOs, industry, academia comment
Scientists detect microplastics in amniotic fluid, effects on testicular aging
Two studies investigate microplastic presence or effects in female and male reproductive organs; small cohort study finds low number of microplastics to be present in human amniotic fluid besides the placenta; in vitro and mice in vivo study reports microplastics induce premature testicular aging and identifies underlying pathways
COVID-19 challenging EPR and single-use legislation
Pandemic causing delays in advancing extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation across US states; increased demand for single-use packaging and plastic bags in Thailand hinders earlier efforts
Study analyzes unknown chemicals in recycled plastic
Scientists develop automated non-target approach to identify and risk assess unknown chemicals in food contact plastics; detect over 300 chemical features and tentatively identify 83 compounds in a recycled polyethylene film used as proof-of-concept
NIAS migration from plastic wine corks
Scientific study uses non-targeted chemical analysis to provide an overview of chemicals migrating from 8 wine corks made of ethylene-vinyl acetate; identifies 50 compounds, 84% non-intentionally added substances (NIAS); finds one cork not suitable as food contact material
Scientists present computer-based approach for designing safer chemicals
Dutch researchers introduce workflow to select chemicals for redesign and develop safer and more sustainable alternatives in a systematic, computer-aided way; illustrate and apply approach to identify and synthesize alternative to flame retardant with reduced persistency; emphasize need to improve knowledge and prediction on chemicals’ biodegradability
China calls for comments on food contact substances
China’s National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment solicits comments on new food contact substances and resins, expanded uses
Compliance of FCMs in Northern Europe
Norden project on compliance of food contact materials publishes results; improved declarations of compliance needed
Improving the chemical safety of food contact articles: Accelerating science and innovation
About the 2019 Workshop The 2019 Food Packaging Forum (FPF) Workshop took place on October 24, 2019 under the theme “Improving the chemical safety of food contact articles: Accelerating science and innovation.” The event featured high profile speakers and offered an international platform for exchanging views and ideas with stakeholders across the field of food contact materials (FCMs). The FPF Workshop is a one-of-a-kind annual event in the field of FCMs to learn about recent developments in science, business, advocacy, […]
Genotoxic chemicals in coatings
Scientists compile inventory of compounds potentially used in coatings; 1,976 substances have no (recent) toxicological evaluation; subset analyzed by in silico tools and literature search, 10 compounds designated as ‘high concern’