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
ECETOC report recommends alternative AFs
Draft EU regulation streamlines certification of plastic FCM recycling processes
European Commission (EC) proposes regulation simplifying the process for the development, certification, and use of recycled plastic food contact materials (FCMs) in the EU; would replace earlier regulation (EC) No 282/2008; open for public comment until January 10, 2022
ECHA regulation updates limits of DEHP in FCMs
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) adopts regulation recognizing bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate’s (DEHP) endocrine disrupting properties; substance now also requires authorization for use in food contact materials (FCMs) when levels exceed 0.1% by weight
California proposes regulating PFAS as single class
US state’s Department of Toxic Substances Control proposes regulating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as single class under Safer Consumer Products Framework, approach based on environmental persistence; could help other regulatory agencies, be applied to other complex compound classes such as microplastics
FDA adds 13 new substances to FCS inventory
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) adds 13 new entries to its Inventory of Effective Food Contact Substances (FCS)
Plastics Recycling for Food Contact
Guidance on Key Considerations for the Identification and Selection of Safer Chemical Alternatives
Study analyzes unknown chemicals in recycled plastic
Scientists develop automated non-target approach to identify and risk assess unknown chemicals in food contact plastics; detect over 300 chemical features and tentatively identify 83 compounds in a recycled polyethylene film used as proof-of-concept