European Commission informs of planned amendments to (EU) No 10/2011 on plastic food contact materials; clarification that regulation applies to non-recycled plastics; adapts rules on migration testing for multilayer materials; introduces purity requirements; feedback period planned for later this year, adoption by end of 2022
US FDA adds 15 substances to food contact inventory
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) adds 15 new entries to its Inventory of Effective Food Contact Substance Notifications (FCNs) since October 2021; FDA proposes update to procedure to determine when FCNs are no longer effective; update open for comment until April 11, 2022
New coalition for EDC scientists
New organization Healthy Environment and Endocrine Disruptor Strategies (HEEDS) aims to support better coordinated and more efficient research in the field of endocrine disrupting chemicals; built as a non-profit coalition by scientists for scientists
EU parliament approves food law revisions
EU Parliament votes to approve revisions to the EU’s General Food Law; next step for Council of Ministers to formally approve text before entering into force
FCM-relevant AOP research
Scientists explore adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) associated with bisphenols, phthalates, perchlorate, food additives, microplastics; discuss ways of using AOPs to predict chemical hazards, assess mixture toxicity
Ukraine aligning FCM regulations with EU
Ukraine’s Ministry of Health notifies World Trade Organization of a draft restriction on vinyl chloride in contact with food; restriction aligns with a 1978 European Council declaration on vinyl chloride in food contact materials (FCMs); ministry announces other alignments including on migration of lead and cadmium from ceramic FCMs
Hazardous Chemicals in Plastic Packaging (HCPP) Project
The Food Packaging Forum is leading a multi-partner research project on “Hazardous chemicals in plastic packaging: State of the art, prioritization, and assessment.” The project runs from 2017 until 2019.
New study highlights limits of personal choices aimed at reducing EDC exposure, contradicts previous research
Neither expert recommendations nor dietary intervention led to significant reduction in food-packaging derived EDC body burden, reports new US study. Regulatory action is called for to ensure food safety.
Conference: Sustainability in packaging
Smithers Pira held “Sustainability in Packaging Europe” event on October 24-26, 2017 in Barcelona; speakers addressed plastic and packaging waste, packaging design, food waste, packaging machinery, and food brands’ activities
What should be included in UN Plastics Treaty negotiations?
International negotiators prepare for first meeting to negotiate the UN treaty to end plastic pollution; scientists, civil society organizations, and governmental bodies publish reports proposing suggestions for what and how to negotiate; many reports support including controls on chemical additives as part of the treaty