Researchers report cooking in non-stick Teflon cookware may lead to the release of thousands of micro- and nanoplastics; find 3 to 43 plastic particles prone to be released from Chinese polypropylene takeaway containers; detect around 1,500 microplastics/liter in Iranian bottled water; review points out that micro- and nanoplastic detection methods in food need validation and standardization
BFFP: 13 key investments to combat plastic pollution
Break Free From Plastic (BFFP) recommends 13 key investments for US federal action; includes funding for multi re-use facility infrastructure, Environmental Protection Agency , research, government, and educational institutions; discourages further investments in chemical recycling, waste-to-energy/fuel technologies, carbon sequestration, downcycling, production, distribution and export of plastics
Consumers want safe BPA-free coatings
New York Times reports on BPA replacements for can coatings, why alternatives are not readily available and ongoing scientific dispute about BPA’s safety
EC: Upcoming discussions on EDC criteria
Pesticides and Biocides Committees of the European Commission are to discuss the EDC criteria proposal this week
Recent innovations in packaging
Companies present paper-based packaging for alcoholic beverages, multipack cans; new designs and materials for better recyclability; more products reported to use 100% recycled plastics
Prenatal phthalate exposure and male genital development
Study finds inverse association between mothers’ urinary phthalate levels and free testosterone blood levels in early pregnancy; lower free testosterone in mothers associated with higher prevalence of genital abnormalities in baby boys
New report on PFASs in FCMs
Study by Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families and Toxic-Free Future shows some U.S. paper food packaging items likely contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances; call on retailers and governments to take actions
NGO coalition launches campaign on food packaging
Zero Waste Europe, CHEMTrust, and HEAL launch website for toxic free food packaging campaign; campaign focuses on the revision of the EU food contact materials law
Plastic Free World Conference
Taiwan to identify chemicals of concern
Taiwanese Environmental Protection Agency developing screening and assessment standards for identification of substances with food safety concerns, high hazard levels, high production volumes; draft list to be released by end of 2019