China requests comments for five new food contact chemicals (FCCs); includes two additives, three polymer resins; consultation open until May 13, 2021
EU environment committee votes on plastics strategy
EU Parliament’s Environment Committee supports EU Commission’s overall plans for plastics in circular economy, suggests further measures on microplastics, single-use plastics, hazardous chemicals
The Minderoo – Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health
Scientists, policy analysts, and healthcare workers from around the world announce formation of the Minderoo – Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health; Commission plans to analyze plastic’s health impacts and develop science-based solutions to protect human health until March 2023
344 volatile organic compounds in paperboard, new study
17 uncoated food contact paperboard samples from Chinese companies studied; 344 volatile organic compounds detected including aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, ethers, esters, alkanes, and aromatic compounds plus 66 key odor compounds; 5 substances highlighted
Mutagenicity of chemicals in printed paper and board FCMs
Scientists propose strategy for prioritizing assessment of non-evaluated chemicals potentially present in printed paper and board FCMs with help of quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models; identify 106 substances of highest concern
Proposals to standardize chemicals work, data sharing across EU
European Commission adopts legislative proposals working toward ‘one substance, one assessment’ in the EU; plan to create Europe-wide chemicals data platform; allow agencies to commission chemical testing and monitoring, set up an early warning system for chemical risks, and establish a monitoring framework; two proposals restructure responsibilities among EU agencies
FPF comments on EU BPA restriction
Food Packaging Forum (FPF) submits comments to the European Commission on the restriction of bisphenol A in food contact materials; supports the proposed regulation; advocates for shorter transition periods, broader coverage, and development of more advanced detection methods
French Competition Authority: companies potentially concealing BPA in food packaging
The French Competition Authority alleges that 14 trade associations and 101 companies had agreements not to communicate about the use or removal of BPA from metal-containing food packaging in France; authority has not released names of the companies, but Nestle has released a statement denying the allegations
Review investigates challenges of assessing NIAS in plastic FCMs
Literature review summarizes challenges regarding non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) in plastic food contact materials (FCMs); describes 52 studies with their applied methodologies for NIAS extraction and identification, plastic types analyzed, and NIAS detected; highlights NIAS assessment as a challenge for scientific community and industry due to lack of hazard data, a missing harmonized methodology, and outdated regulatory guidelines
EU Commission plans EDC hazard classes within CLP
European Commission announces plan to create new hazard classes for endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) within the EU’s Classification, Labeling, and Packaging (CLP) Regulation; industry stakeholders criticize decision, call for addressing EDCs via REACH Regulation; civil society groups welcome change; further discussion planned for February 2021