The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) establishes Human Foods Program, unifying and modernizing certain functions under one program; implementation set for October 1, 2024; FDA is also monitoring PFAS phase-out, with many states implementing bans, and manufacturers switching to non-PFAS alternatives
Chemicals of concern in paper and board food packaging
Danish consumer council finds fluorocarbons and mineral oils in paper and board packaging in direct contact with food
Human exposure to BPA—scientific evidence discussed
Review article discusses the scientific evidence for human exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) and explains the current controversy about biomonitoring data, criticizing FDA and EFSA scientific opinions
Minderoo Foundation systematically maps human health effects from plastic-associated chemicals
Interactive and openly available, the Plastic Health Map summarizes human health outcomes of certain plastic-associated chemicals and particles as published by peer-review articles between 1960 and 2021; includes more than 3500 studies for 1557 chemicals; identifies gaps, including only 30% of chemicals have been investigated for health impacts, few studies in low-income countries
Phthalates linked to chronic diseases
Scientists observe positive association between total urinary phthalates and cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and chronic low-grade inflammation in men
Letter to the authors of BPA oral absorption study
EHP publishes a letter to Gayrard et al. and the researchers’ response, points to differences in BPA exposure throughout the body
Communicating and reducing SVHC use
EU project survey finds half of companies do not have ready information to respond to consumer requests about substances of very high concern (SVHCs); Swedish Chemicals Agency develops app to improve SVHC communication; Danish report finds current legislation has reduced SVHC use in Nordic countries
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
US FDA adds 18 substances to food contact inventory
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) adds 18 new entries to Inventory of Effective Food Contact Substance (FCS) Notifications since January 2020
China requests comments on new FCMs, chemicals
National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment calls for public comment on new food contact materials (FCMs) and chemicals as well as expanded uses; feedback accepted until March 11, 2020