Researchers expand list of known substances with characteristics linked to breast cancer by more than four-fold; many are in standard consumer products, including 189 in food contact according to FPF’s database on migrating and extractable food contact chemicals (FCCmigex); authors call for improved hazard identification methods, advocate for more comprehensive chemical testing, especially focusing on the mammary gland and broader range of chemicals
EU Council adopts single-use plastic bans
European Council formally adopts new rules on single-use plastics and recycling targets; directive completes final step before becoming law; England to ban plastic straws, stirrers, and cotton buds from April 2020
EFSA EREN: Annual report 2015
EFSA publishes 2015 annual report of Emerging Risks Exchange network (EREN); 13 emerging issues discussed; most issues classify as chemical hazards and refer to increased exposures
Projects launched to support GHS implementation in Africa
Kenya, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Rwanda implementing Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) in national policy; Sierra Leone and Malawi partner with the UN Environment Program (UNEP) to study chemical and waste management within the countries to design long term policies and projects
Where do collected recyclables go?
New York Times addresses China’s ban on waste imports, illustrates impacts on recycling programs in the U.S. and globally
EDCs in paper and board food packaging
Danish researchers identify well-known and new EDCs in paper and board food packaging
Microplastic and pigment particles in water
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
Consumer exposure to PFAS in food packaging
Silent Spring Institute publishes report investigating PFAS exposure, finds consuming home-cooked meals reduces exposure compared to restaurant consumption; U.S. state of Washington to focus on paper wraps and liners during alternatives assessment; U.S. presidential candidate pledges to label substance class as hazardous substances
Unwanted chemicals in drinking bottles
Norwegian Consumer Council finds phthalates, bisphenols, brominated flame retardants, chlorinated paraffins leaching from reusable plastic drinking bottles into water
Scientific Advisory Board
The Food Packaging Forum (FPF) Scientific Advisory Board serves as an expert pool for the FPF and supports the FPF through scientific peer review.