Plastics are complex materials with many chemical and physical properties; when considering chemical exposure, “safe” can be difficult to define; the Food Packaging Forum provides four tips for safer use of reusable food packaging
EU launches app about SVHCs in products
AskREACH project’s ‘Scan4Chem’ app allows consumers to scan product barcodes and retrieve information on presence of substances of very high concern (SVHCs); users can also submit information requests to companies, see all requests and responses across EU countries
Agencies from US and EU scrutinizing safety of PVC
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) publishes investigation into polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin, additives, microparticles; finds risks from PVC resin are “adequately controlled” but suggests action on additives, particles; US Environmental Protection Agency is investigating vinyl chloride for consideration as a High Priority Substance
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
12 SVHCs added to REACH authorization list
EU Commission places 12 substances of very high concern on the Authorisation List of the REACH regulation; 3 substances relevant for food contact materials
ECHA recommends 7 SVHCs for authorization
ECHA prioritizes 7 substances of very high concern to be added to REACH Authorisation List; 6 substances potentially relevant for food contact
Multi-criteria framework to prioritize polymers of concern
Scientists develop holistic conceptual framework to characterize and rank the environmental risks of plastic polymers; tool can support targeted investment and mitigation strategies
ECHA: 2016 SVHC roadmap report
ECHA releases annual report on progress in identifying substances of very high concern; calls on companies to improve REACH registration data to assess chemicals’ hazards and risks; will focus more on groups of structurally similar substances
ECHA: 5 new SVHCs
New additions to Candidate List of substances of very high concern; UV-filters and perfluorinated compound among candidates
FPF comments on FCCs under review for REACH Candidate List
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is reviewing five food contact chemicals (FCCs) for possible inclusion on the REACH Candidate List of SVHCs; Food Packaging Forum (FPF) shares information on where the FCCs have been measured in food contact; two are on the EU positive list for chemicals in plastic food contact materials; FCCs under consideration for SVHC status and allowed in FCMs highlights need to create stronger connection between FCM regulation and REACH