First study to link maternal BPA exposure to neonatal thyroid function in male newborns but mechanisms remain unclear
EFSA identifies gaps in risk assessment guidance
Scientific Committee recommends new EFSA guidance on the use of the weight of evidence approach and biological relevance in toxicology
Brand audits identify top polluters
Report by Greenpeace and Break Free From Plastic names 10 global companies whose products appear to be the biggest contributors to plastic pollution worldwide based on findings from beach cleanups and brand audits
Opinion: Commission’s EDC criteria are illegal
Environmental law organization ClientEarth publishes legal opinion judging the European Commission’s EDC criteria non-compliant with the mandating regulations
Endocrine-active chemicals in baby bottles
Scientists test 65 chemicals migrating from ‘BPA-free’ baby bottles in a panel of in vitro assays for effects on seven receptors; 12 chemicals show no activity, 53 activate or inhibit at least one of the tested receptors
FPF comments on EU’s broad PFAS restriction proposal
The Food Packaging Forum (FPF) provides the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) scientific information on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food contact materials (FCMs) ahead of Risk Assessment Committee meeting; emphasizes concerns about PFAS’ persistence as a multiplier of toxicity; provides data on PFAS detected in and migrating from FCMs
Global Commitment and Brand Audit reports 2019
New Plastics Economy progress report applauds steps taken by signatories, highlights reductions in virgin plastic use by corporations, new policies introduced by governments; reminds readers much still to be done by 2025; Break Free From Plastic publishes 2019 Brand Audit Report, calls on top brands to reduce single-use plastic items
REACH: Completeness of registration dossiers
ECHA commits to reevaluating the completeness of REACH substance registrations following a Board of Appeal ruling finding that ECHA has previously failed to adequately do so
Modern science to inform regulation of food contact materials in the circular economy
The 2016 annual Food Packaging Forum (FPF) workshop took a closer look at “Modern science to inform regulation of food contact materials in the circular economy.” Our fourth workshop followed the unique concept of previous FPF workshops in its cross-thematic, cross-stakeholder approach. We brought together experts from different perspectives and backgrounds—from academic scientist to business decision maker, from regulator to retailer, from consumer advocate to food manufacturer. FPF workshops are one of a kind, because we create the optimal environment for […]
EU Commission’s draft regulation on transparency in risk assessment
EU Commission proposes regulation to improve transparency and sustainability in risk assessment of food safety in the EU; feedback accepted until June 8, 2018