Podcast highlights role of obesogenic chemicals in obesity epidemic with leading scientist in the field; other academics remain skeptical of impact of obesogens
News Article
May 28, 2018
News Article
August 11, 2014
Phthalates from food contact materials
New study analyzes phthalates in French wines and spirits, polymers and coatings on storage tanks identified as major source
News Article
July 21, 2016
PFOA and PFOS harm immune system
Scientific panel and U.S. National Toxicology Program conclude that PFOA and PFOA are likely hazardous to the human immune system
News Article
December 23, 2015
Gaps in FCM regulation
Extensive article informs about gaps in FCM regulation in the EU, hazardous substances found in FCMs, and efforts made by regulators, industry, and non-profit organizations to improve the situation
News Article
September 5, 2022
Kenya Plastic Pact 2030 roadmap
Kenya Plastics Pact publishes roadmap to 2030 with four main targets to tackle plastic waste and pollution; targets focus on replacing single-use plastic packaging, reusability, recyclability; Pact now has 34 signatories
News Article
February 18, 2021
Rare earth elements found in FCMs, recycled plastics
Researchers at University of Plymouth find rare earth elements in 24 of 31 tested products including children’s toys, food contact materials (FCMs); highest abundance in plastic recycled from electronic waste; authors suggest plastic recycling process as source for contamination; suggest elements as indicators for presence of other additives such as brominated flame retardants
News Article
September 4, 2020
California considers policy on PFAS in food packaging
US state’s Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) holds virtual workshop to collect input from stakeholders on use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in plant fiber-based food packaging; suggests it could decide to limit scope of products considered in upcoming policy, draws criticism from advocacy groups
News Article
March 23, 2021
ECETOC report recommends alternative AFs
European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals (ECETOC) publishes report reviewing derived no-effect levels (DNELs); finds European Chemicals Agency’s default assessment factors (AFs) “in some cases overly conservative”; recommends reviewing and using alternative AFs
News Article
August 15, 2014
PCBs found in food packaging
State of Washington study finds PCB-11 in common U.S. food contact materials, by-product of widely used yellow pigment
News Article
March 12, 2018
Flame retardants in plastic waste
Study commissioned by Norwegian Environment Agency analyzes brominated flame retardants in post-consumer plastics intended for recycling, finds low levels of commercial decaBDE, HBCD, BDE-209, TBBPA, DBDPE
