European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) publishes presentation slides from stakeholder meeting on the re-evaluation of bisphenol A (BPA); EFSA scientists and other BPA working group members describe the re-evaluation process and reasons for suggesting the tolerable daily intake of BPA be lowered significantly
Bioassay-based analysis of chemicals in paper & cardboard
Scientific study evaluates presence of hazardous chemicals in methanolic extracts from paper and cardboard food contact materials (FCMs) using several bioassays; finds oxidative stress (52%), genotoxicity (100%), impacts on xenobiotic metabolism (74%), antiandrogenic (52%) and antioestrogenic effects (39%); recommends an effect-based approach for hazard identification of food contact chemicals
Fact Bites
Fact Bites Check out our latest fact bites! These are little info nibbles about food packaging materials and food contact chemicals published to our social media channels. Learn more about each topic below and click to visit the linked resource. Additional FCMs – November 15, 2022 Food packaging is more than just glass, metal, plastic, or paper. It’s also adhesives, printing inks, coatings, and other components. Learn more Organophosphate esters – October 18, 2022 Flame-resistant food? Organophosphate esters protect stuff […]
UK Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging Programme – online briefing
EDCs in plastics cost the US $250 billion in healthcare annually
Scientists calculate US health care costs caused by a well-studied subset of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in plastics; estimate exposure cost $250 billion in 2018, equivalent to 1.22% of Gross Domestic Product; recommend addressing chemicals of concern in global plastics treaty to reduce disease burden and costs
EU launches Beating Cancer Plan
European Commission presents plan aimed to better prevent and treat cancer; includes focus on reducing exposure to hazardous substances, links to Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability; Health and Environment Alliance calls on Commission to use the plan in supporting revision of outdated EU food contact material regulations
Opinion: Regulators ignore obligation to use independent science
PAN Europe publishes report on European pesticide risk assessments; laments lacking inclusion of academic studies
Film about Marketplace platform
NGO ChemSec releases short film to bring attention to Marketplace, online resource for buyers and suppliers of safer chemical alternatives
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
Report finds harmful chemicals widespread in packaged and processed foods
Report by Consumer Reports analyzed 85 different packaged foods for bisphenols and phthalates; detects BPA and phthalates in majority of products with wide ranging concentrations; authors emphasize difficulty of assessing “safe levels”