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Microplastic exposure through drinking cups and human health impacts

Study finds up to 6000 particles/L to be released from disposable drinking cups; scientists estimate humans ingest 37,613–89,294 microplastics through plastic cups use per year; study suggests consumption from plastic containers changes human gut and oral microbiota composition; review concludes that uptake of microplastics carrying pathogens may impact human health

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EU Commission plans EDC hazard classes within CLP

European Commission announces plan to create new hazard classes for endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) within the EU’s Classification, Labeling, and Packaging (CLP) Regulation; industry stakeholders criticize decision, call for addressing EDCs via REACH Regulation; civil society groups welcome change; further discussion planned for February 2021

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ECHA adds 8 chemicals to SVHC Candidate List

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) updates the Candidate List for substances of very high concern (SVHCs); four out of eight new candidates are food contact chemicals: glutaral, medium-chain chlorinated paraffins, 1,4-dioxane, and 2-(4-tert-butylbenzyl)propionaldehyde and its individual stereoisomers; 219 substances now on the SVHC Candidate List

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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

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US FDA adds 15 substances to food contact inventory

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) adds 15 new entries to its Inventory of Effective Food Contact Substance Notifications (FCNs) since October 2021; FDA proposes update to procedure to determine when FCNs are no longer effective; update open for comment until April 11, 2022

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EDQM guide on European paper and board FCM regulations

The European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines and Healthcare (EDQM) publishes “technical guidance relating to the requirements, compliance testing and supporting documentation for paper and board materials” used in food contact materials and articles; includes overview of European FCM regulations, aims to harmonize paper and board regulation; provides instructions to test compliance, detect recycled materials, prepare supporting documentation

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Scientists find phthalates impact development of boys more than girls

Biomonitoring study reports association between maternal phthalate exposure and 24-month-old boy emotional/behavioral problems; short review discusses teratogenic effect and calls for health policies; research article detects phthalates in wide range of US foods, indicates phthalate migration from food processing equipment; review evaluates gas chromatography-based approaches to measure phthalates in aqueous and solid foods