Marine biologist criticizes inconsistencies and unrealistic techniques used to study microplastic pollution; recommends avoiding nets for sampling, microscopes for counting; promotes using non-spherical microplastics and allowing time for elimination; researchers should focus on quality over quantity
ECHA calls for comments on chlorinated paraffins
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) seeks information on manufacture, use, exposure, environmental release of chlorinated alkanes to inform restriction proposal; comments accepted until December 15, 2020
MERCOSUR publishes draft silicone FCM regulation
South American trade bloc MERCOSUR is updating its standards for silicone food contact materials; includes positive lists and specific migration limits for metal salts; stakeholders can comment on the draft until May 12, 2023; Argentina and Uruguay have already notified the World Trade Organization of impending changes
Call for BPA ban in food packaging in Germany
North Rhine-Westphalia consumer protection minister demands BPA ban in FCMs and other consumer products
Europe: efforts towards harmonized human biomonitoring
New study reports on the first Europe-wide biomonitoring project in 17 countries
Governments and stakeholders reflect on toxics in recycling
Recycling association, non-governmental organization, and European Commission comment on ways to safely minimize and manage substances of concern in recycling streams during transition to circular economy; Dutch national institute publishes report identifying challenges and recommendations, describes 2050 national goal
Industry pushes for EU-wide regulation
Beverage carton and flexible packaging industry groups call for harmonized, EU-wide legislation for all types of food contact materials
Scientists detect microplastics in amniotic fluid, effects on testicular aging
Two studies investigate microplastic presence or effects in female and male reproductive organs; small cohort study finds low number of microplastics to be present in human amniotic fluid besides the placenta; in vitro and mice in vivo study reports microplastics induce premature testicular aging and identifies underlying pathways
Overview of Latin American FCM regulations
Law firm Keller and Heckman LLP summarizes existing regulations governing food contact materials for many countries in South America
Freely available dataset for 3D in silico modeling
Freely available 3D database of food additives, first step towards a more efficient in silico screening of chemicals