Stefan Merkel presents recent work of German Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR); Lisa Zimmermann discusses bioassay-based toxicity assessment of conventional plastics, bioplastics, and plant-based materials; Andrew Turner emphasizes presence of toxic brominated flame retardants in recycled plastics, uses of hazardous heavy metals in colored decorations applied to glass articles
Scientists investigate chemicals in plant-based materials
Review summarizes chemicals present in and migrating from food contact articles made with wood, bamboo, and other plant-based materials; researchers identify and quantify 25 non-volatile compounds from bamboo, palm leaf, wood and wheat pulp dishes; tentatively identify 115 non-volatile chemicals in extracts from six plant fiber/plastic composites; detect phthalates in Brazilian dry foods in cellulose-based packaging
Re-useable bamboo cups tested and criticized
German consumer organization finds high levels of melamine and formaldehyde migration from re-useable bamboo-based cups, condemns misleading labeling advertising them as recyclable and eco-friendly
Considerations on reusable coffee to go cups
BfR answers frequently asked questions about reusable coffee to go cups, addresses hygiene aspects, discusses suitable materials
Microbial environment influences chemical toxicity
Environmental Health Perspectives draws general conclusions from study about gut bacteria and melamine
Thailand proposes standard for FCMs
Thailand notifies WTO of future mandatory standard for thermoset plastics derived from formaldehyde
Bamboo in plastic FCMs not authorized in the EU
European Commission’s Working Group concludes that bamboo-based additives are not authorized per se for use in plastic food contact materials in the EU; business operators to explicitly demonstrate safety by migration testing; migration of melamine, formaldehyde of high concern; additional concerns about misleading labeling and advertising
Official from Chinese FDA says food safety law revision is urgently needed
Chinese news report on an interview with anonymous Chinese official
2021 FPF Workshop: Tools to prioritize societal health
On the third day of the Food Packaging Forum’s annual workshop, speakers discuss the new Understanding Packaging Scorecard that helps improve packaging procurement decision making, how regulators assess food packaging in the lab and on the market, new projects investigating plastics, and how understanding game theory in group decision making can lead to societal benefits
Discussion on FCMs containing bamboo
EU Commission Working Group identifies increasing number of plastic food contact materials containing natural additives such as bamboo or corn; cautions business operators regarding misleading advertising, requirement that only authorized substances should be used in plastic layers