European Commission adopts new regulation banning export of hazardous and hard to recycle plastic waste to non-OECD countries from January 1, 2021; clean and recyclable plastic exports to only be approved under strict conditions; prior informed consent required for all intra-EU shipments
US EPA withdraws rules on “chemicals of concern list” and information disclosure
Huffington Post reports on withdrawal of two proposed rules by the US EPA, no longer necessary due to other efforts
Sweden: New website on safety of nanomaterials
Swedish platform on nanomaterial safety publishes new website with information on safety aspects of nanomaterials
Danish website on consumer exposure to chemicals
Website of Danish Ministry of Environment and Food informs consumers about chemicals in everyday products and how to reduce unnecessary exposures
Website launched on key characteristics framework
New website to serve as information hub on development of key characteristics to help identify hazardous chemicals; includes links to relevant presentations, publications, ongoing research projects
CHEM Trust launches website focused on EDCs
New site to serve as resource for concerned consumers on endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs); provides overview of the substances and how they can impact human and environmental health; specific page provides guidance for food contact materials and articles
Scientists find most silicon rubber kitchenwares are endocrine disrupting
Study determines toxicity and composition of 42 silicon rubber food contact articles; finds 84% of silicon kitchenware to induce endocrine activity; review gives update on the known endocrine disruptors phthalates and bisphenols with focus on detection methods and addressing regulatory concerns; study develops and applies method for phthalate determination in vegetable oils
New EU rules on FCMs must be science based, simpler, and enforced
Food Packaging Forum comments on European Commission’s public consultation on its revision of EU rules on food contact materials (FCMs); stresses the importance of revising the definition of safety and aligning FCM regulations with EU strategies on chemical sustainability and circular economy
Key aspects of sustainability of food packaging
Foster sustainability through holistic considerations along the food production and supply chain
EFSA: Rules for managing competing interests
EFSA publishes rules underpinning its new independence policy; rules to be first applied to renewal of Scientific Panels in July 2018