Scientific study uses non-targeted chemical analysis to provide an overview of chemicals migrating from 8 wine corks made of ethylene-vinyl acetate; identifies 50 compounds, 84% non-intentionally added substances (NIAS); finds one cork not suitable as food contact material
Canada identifies four parabens for toxic substances list
Government publishes draft screening assessment of 7 parabens, identifies 4 to present danger to human health or environment at current levels of exposure; proposed risk management published; findings open for public comment until May 13, 2020
IARC replies to critiques
IARC scientists reply to critical commentary; point out the importance of hazard classification as an initial step in the risk assessment process, highlight the role of epidemiological evidence
Japan identifies priority assessment substances
Ministries in Japan announce 15 new substances as priority assessment substances, 6 of which known to be used in food contact materials; requires annual reporting for import and manufacture
FDA studies show short-chain PFAS toxicity, metabolite bioaccumulation
Scientists from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) publish two studies on 6:2 fluorotelomer (6:2 FTOH); find risk posed by toxicity of 6:2 FTOH previously underestimated, acidic fluorotelomer metabolite bioaccumulates
EU notifies C9-C14 PFCA restriction to WTO
European Union notifies World Trade Organization of proposed amendment to REACH Restriction List (Annex XVII) to restrict manufacturing, use, placing on the market and import of C9-C14 perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), their salts and related substances within the EU; long-chain PFCAs can be present in food contact materials as impurities but also degradation products of long-chain fluorotelomers
New PLA production technology
Dutch scientists develop technology to make production of bioplastic PLA faster and cheaper
Review of technologies for PHA production
Scientists review three main routes for polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) production, including microbiological, enzymatic, chemical; microbiological and chemical routes most favorable for scaling-up; remaining high costs compared to fossil-based plastics necessitate search for cheaper feedstocks, optimization of production efficiencies
Fluorotelomers in bio-based paper FCMs
Fluorotelomer alcohols measured in paper FCMs; high levels found in ‘eco-friendly’ bio-based paper packaging; metabolic transformation to hazardous perfluorinated acids possible
BPA absorption in the mouth
Scientists compare internal levels and metabolism of BPA after gavage or diet administration; demonstrate significant buccal absorption of BPA from solid foods