EFSA publishes final report on ‘omics in risk assessment’ colloquium; omics tools a ‘valuable addition’ for risk assessment but not yet to be used as a standalone tool; development and endorsement of ‘consistent reporting framework’ necessary
ZWE report reviews shortcomings of current EU FCM chemicals regulations
Zero Waste Europe (ZWE) discusses gaps and inconsistencies of current FCM legislation; argues it needs reform to ensure chemical safety of products holistically; provides recommendations for improvements
New report on packaging practices in the U.S.
NGOs conducted a survey about packaging environmental attributes and end-of-life policies, major brands shown to have poor packaging sustainability policies
FPF Workshop 2019: Perspectives on innovations
Innovations improving the safety of food contact articles discussed during afternoon session; panel with guests from academia, non-profit organizations, start-ups and industry
FCM-relevant AOP research
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
Migration of mineral oils and DIPN from paperboard into dry foods
Swiss and Italian researchers publish new study comparing the effect of different testing and storage conditions on migration behavior of MOSH, MOAH and DIPN from paperboard into non-fatty dry foodstuffs. Observed levels of migration were in the part per million (ppm) range (mg/kg food). Migration levels were highest for egg pasta packaged in paperboard and enclosed in an outer polypropylene bag.
NGO coalitions call for EU strategy
EDC Free Europe and Green10 urge the EU Commission to develop EU strategy for a non-toxic environment, keep topic as priority despite delays
Global plastic waste management and emissions
Using data from over 50,000 municipalities, with machine learning to fill gaps, global model estimates 52 million tons of plastic were released into unmanaged waste systems in 2020; report led by Arnika investigates effects of waste incineration on the environment and human health
US FDA and EPA publish requests for information on PFAS
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asks for information on the use of fluorinated polyethylene for food contact and dietary exposure due to migration; US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) seeks responses to specific questions to help form PFAS strategic action plan; FDA comment period open until October 18, 2022, and EPA period until August 29, 2022
Environmental fate of biodegradable bags
Plastic bags labeled as ‘biodegradable’ remain intact after 3 years in marine environment, scientists report; bioplastics industry criticizes study design, interpretation