Industry group European Bioplastics hosts annual conference on November 28-29, 2017 in Berlin, Germany
Chemical biomarkers of breast cancer identified
New study points out breast cancer chemical biomarkers for breast cancer epidemiology, biomonitoring and prevention
Mineral oils in food
Foodwatch study shows contamination of dry foods packaged in paper or board with mineral oils; online petition launched to call for EU-wide introduction of functional barriers, limit levels in food
Panel on alternatives to chemicals of concern
US EPA seeks advice of National Academy of Sciences, panel to assess health and ecological risks of alternatives to chemicals of concern
Researchers blend renewably sourced plastic with natural biocide to create active packaging
Chitosan, polycaprolactone and wheat based polymers combine to make novel food packaging with biocidal and water scavenging properties, new research published by French researchers
Scientists find phthalates impact development of boys more than girls
Biomonitoring study reports association between maternal phthalate exposure and 24-month-old boy emotional/behavioral problems; short review discusses teratogenic effect and calls for health policies; research article detects phthalates in wide range of US foods, indicates phthalate migration from food processing equipment; review evaluates gas chromatography-based approaches to measure phthalates in aqueous and solid foods
Study assesses migration from recycled HDPE milk bottles
Paper in Resources, Conservation, and Recycling investigates chemical migration from recycled high-density polyethylene (rHDPE); when recycled milk bottles mixed with non-milk-bottle rHDPE, resulting plastic contaminated with chemicals of concern; rHDPE from well-sorted, decontaminated milk bottles may be clean enough for food contact; octocrylene and octinoxate still migrate at concerning levels, reduction may require further decontamination or changes in manufacturing or legislation
EFSA evaluates 2 substances for use in recycled PET
EFSA’s CEF Panel considers substances tetraethyl orthosilicate and hexamethyldisilazane safe for use in recycled PET intended for contact with all types of foodstuffs
Recommendations for non-toxic environment
Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) calls on EU Commission to release strategy for non-toxic environment, recommends 12 priority actions
EFSA working group updates in August through October 2020
Minutes from recent meetings of the EFSA CEP panel and working groups on BPA, FCMs, and phthalates published; groups continue discussions and revisions of draft opinions