Department of Ecology for the US state of Washington publishes alternatives assessment for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food packaging, identifies alternatives for four packaging types; restrictions will come into force early 2023; working draft criteria defining “safer” and “feasible and available” for alternative assessments released for public comment
The Guardian discusses plastic food container safety
Article introduces recent research quantifying chemicals that could be present in packaging, testing chemical toxicity; emphasizes chemical unknowns, recommends tips for consumers to minimize chemical and plastic particle exposure
Endocrine effects of parabens
Scientists review evidence on paraben preservatives acting as estrogenic endocrine disruptors; certain effects observed in animals not confirmed in humans; studies on parabens’ effects on immune and nervous system lacking
Plastic bags linked to reproductive failures
New study investigates substances from multilayer plastic bags, cause reproductive failures in artificial insemination
New FPF report: New approaches to detect NIAS in FCMs
New peer-reviewed publication addresses major challenge for FCM safety assessment: non-intentionally added substances (NIAS)
European Council adopts position on Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation
Maintains criteria that all packaging must be recyclable; introduces requirement for separate waste collection; tasks Commission with preparing a report on substances of concern and their impact on recycling, reuse, and chemical safety
Overview of known plastic packaging-associated chemicals and their hazards
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
Laser marks on German fruit and vegetables
German retailer EDEKA launches laser marks on fruit and vegetables instead of using sticker labels or plastic film
Washington State: draft scope for second PFAS alternatives assessment
Department of Ecology (DoE) for US state of Washington publishes document outlining scope of second alternatives assessment for PFAS in food packaging; defines five specific food packaging applications to focus on: flat serviceware, open-top containers, closed containers, bags and sleeves, and bowls; defines PFAS alternatives to evaluate; currently accepting comments