New study finds micro-polystyrene to disrupt feeding pattern and reproduction in oysters; exposed molluscs had fewer and more slowly growing offspring
Phthalates from food contact materials
New study analyzes phthalates in French wines and spirits, polymers and coatings on storage tanks identified as major source
National parks in Thailand ban single use plastics
The Thai Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation bans styrofoam packaging and single-use plastics from all 155 national parks in the country; those caught with single-use food containers, cups, or utensils could face a fine up to 100,000 baht ($3,000 USD); Elephants and other animals reportedly eating plastics in national park north of Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok)
U.S. bill to ban BPA in food packaging
U.S. Senator and Representatives introduce the “Ban Poisonous Additives Act of 2016” calling for a ban on bisphenol A in food and beverage containers
Focus on BPA analogues
Recent studies investigate effects of bisphenol A analogues such as BPS and BPF, reveal similar endocrine disrupting effects of analogues in cell lines and whole organisms
WSJ: attitudes towards single-use plastic changing in home kitchens
Wall Street Journal (WSJ) article discusses changing attitudes towards plastic in home kitchens; outlines the relatively recent history of plastic in the kitchen and recent cultural shifts towards using more reusable materials for storing and transporting food; FPF compares different reusable options, consumers encouraged to not forget about chemical migration and impacts on human health
Guiding the transition away from bisphenols
AkzoNobel Packaging Coatings publishes white paper outlining history of bisphenol use in can coatings, available alternatives, case studies from regions and industries that have switched away from bisphenols, and vision for the transition in Europe
EC publishes BPA roadmap
DG SANTE releases roadmap on new measures on BPA in FCMs; different options from no policy change to EU-wide ban on BPA in FCMs discussed and assessed
FPF Workshop 2017: Toxicological assessments and migration testing
Experts from academia, food industry and authorities present scientific and practical challenges in toxicological assessments and migration measurements
Consumer preference for glass packaging
Friends of Glass survey finds EU-consumers to favor glass packaging for food and drink; glass considered to be safest packaging material with lowest risk of interaction with food