Italian researchers showed that mother’s reduced ability to metabolize BPA may be associated with fetal malformations
Human exposure to BPA systematically underestimated
New study shows that different measurement methods lead to large discrepancies in BPA human body burdens; human population exposed to higher levels of BPA than estimated using standard method; human health risk of BPA likely underestimated
Study detects PFAS across US fast food restaurant packaging
Mind the Store campaign and Toxic-Free Future collect and test 29 food packaging samples from 6 US fast food chains for fluorine levels; find that burger wrappers and containers from McDonald’s and Burger King likely treated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); paper bags used for French fries and deserts have consistently high fluorine levels
Study shows endocrine activity of BPA analogs
Bisphenol A alternatives detected in thermal paper in Switzerland, bisphenol F and bisphenol S shown to exhibit endocrine activity using in vitro and in silico tools, no significant endocrine activity found for the alternatives Pergafast® 201 and D-8
Chemical monitoring database published
Multimedia Monitoring Database (MMDB) comprises data from 20 public monitoring data sources in harmonized machine-readable format; to support chemical exposure assessment and decision-making
Global Commitment and Brand Audit reports 2019
New Plastics Economy progress report applauds steps taken by signatories, highlights reductions in virgin plastic use by corporations, new policies introduced by governments; reminds readers much still to be done by 2025; Break Free From Plastic publishes 2019 Brand Audit Report, calls on top brands to reduce single-use plastic items
BPA during pregnancy affects thyroid function in newborn boys
First study to link maternal BPA exposure to neonatal thyroid function in male newborns but mechanisms remain unclear
Packaging sustainability during the pandemic
Consultancy McKinsey & Company publishes paper on consumers’ views towards sustainability in packaging, as influenced by COVID 19 pandemic; urges more focus on proactive communication with consumers and supply chain partners, holistic approach to sustainability and hygiene requirements
Chemical migration into coffee, canned vegetables, and Indian curd
Three research studies investigate the occurrence of chemicals in food packaging and migration into food; find average of 330 µg oligoesters migrating from cans per kg drained vegetables; report most extractable chemicals from low-density polyethylene Dahi curd packaging not included in India’s positive list; detect low levels of phthalic acid esters in coffee obtained from single-use capsules
Contribution of packing to PFC levels in food
New study investigates impact of production and packaging on perfluorinated compound concentration in dairy products, dairy cow exposure main source, grease proof wraps an avoidable contributor