Scientists detect thousands of small particles of microplastics, pigments, additives in bottled mineral water; higher particle content in reusable paper-labeled bottles; printing inks on labels identified as novel contamination source
Chemical migration from paper and board into dry foods
New study investigates migration from paper and board into fruits and vegetables, food simulant overestimates migration, washing, peeling and cooking largely ineffective at removing contaminants
Experimental verification of migration modelling
Study uses novel method for determining partition coefficients for migration from polyolefins into foodstuffs and food simulants
FPF Workshop 2019: FCM oversight in Denmark
Mette Holm gives overview of approaches to FCM inspection and control by Danish Ministry of Environment and Food; latest monitoring study on PFAS in paper and board FCMs still finds intentional addition of PFAS; Denmark bans PFAS in paper and board FCM from 2020
Canada publishes BPA survey
Canadian survey detects BPA in 1.5% of samples; BPA migration not considered a public health concern
Lead in U.S. baby food
New study by Environmental Defense Fund finds U.S. baby foods more frequently contaminated with lead than regular non-baby foods, urges FDA and manufacturers to reduce children’s exposure to lead
PFAS found in popcorn bags in US, Indonesia
US based and Indonesia based NGOs publish report on PFAS in popcorn bags; all 29 samples tested contained at least one PFAS
Elevated exposure to phthalates
New biomonitoring report reveals high levels of phthalates
Perchlorate found on European fruit and vegetables
German TV channel analyzes European food samples for chemical contaminant perchlorate, authorized for food contact in the US
ZWE biomonitoring detects phthalates, bisphenols
Zero Waste Europe (ZWE) publishes results of analyzed urine samples from 52 European decision-makers and public figures; tests for 28 chemicals commonly used in single-use plastic food packaging, shows average of 20 detected in each person; calls for decision-makers to prioritize public exposure to food contact chemicals