Environment Committee of EU Parliament rejects EU Commission’s proposal to allow up to 2% lead by weight in recycled polyvinylchloride (PVC); see increased levels as unsafe and unnecessary given available PVC alternatives, argue recycling should not justify continued use of hazardous substances
BPA warning label in California
State of California takes emergency action on BPA and proposes temporary uniform warning label for food cans and bottles as deadline for Prop65 compliance approaches
Scotland set to ban single-use plastic food packaging items
Government to end sale of all polystyrene food containers and their lids as well as plastic straws, cutlery, stirrers starting June 1, 2022; concerns exist over harmonized enforcement across the UK
EFSA assesses 2 food contact substances
EFSA’s CEF Panel considers selenium nanoparticles and isobutane safe for use in plastic food contact materials under certain conditions
EFSA addresses polymeric additive
EFSA considers ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer wax safe for food contact
Controversy over DINCH
McGill University study shows exposure of pregnant rats to DINCH results in liver metabolism impairment and ‘testicular atrophy’ in the male progeny; BASF scientists depict study as ‘flawed,’ maintain that DINCH is safe for use in food contact applications
Microplastics impacts on the reproductive system and offspring
Scientists report human-relevant polystyrene (PS) microplastic concentrations change mice placental metabolism; show nanoplastics have variable effects on placental enzymes using simulations; find pre- and postnatal PS microplastic exposure affects male mice testis development and fertility; recommend future research to analyze multigenerational effects
JRC Symposium compares microplastic analysis methods
European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) symposium summarizes current approaches for microplastic monitoring; research institutions present results of 4 inter-laboratory microplastic analysis comparison studies; no ‘one-size-fits-all’ analytical method, presenters emphasize need for harmonization; Commission outlines policy needs
Emission of PFCAs from heated kitchenware and consumer products
New study shows perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids to be emitted from heated polytetrafluoroethylene surfaces, emission increases with temperature
Novel photodegradable bioplastics
U.S. researchers synthesize renewable polymeric materials, light-induced degradation occurs in three hours