New study evaluates NHANES data and finds link between food consumption at restaurants, cafeterias, fast-food outlets and increased urinary phthalate levels
Chemical characterization of post-consumer and recycled plastics
Scientists perform target and non-target screening of recycled plastics and provide recommendations on methods; detect >280 organic chemicals and metals in 21 plastic flakes and pellets used in recycling; analyze several recycled polymers and find polyethylene terephthalate (PET) the only one currently complying with European circular economy requirements; compare analytical methods to assess the chemical composition of recyclates giving their strenghts and limitations
Computational method outperforms animal tests
Predictions of acute health hazards by ‘data fusion’ read-across structure activity relationship (RASAR) modeling reported to be more reproducible than animal testing data
Overview of active and intelligent food packaging
Korean researchers review characteristics, application type and effectiveness of current active and intelligent packaging technologies
Opinion: Plastic packaging should be simplified
Cradle to Cradle scientist Michael Braungart calls for fewer and simplified polymers to create material cycles rather than waste
German packaging register online
Central German packaging register ‘LUCID’ launched; registration of packaged goods possible until January 1, 2019, when new German packaging law enters into force
Individual-level data published for BPA oral absorption study
New study provides urine and serum profiles of BPA in 10 volunteers who participated in Teeguarden et al. (2015) study
Studies investigate extractable and leachable FCCs, present collision cross section database
Scientists develop collisions cross section (CCS) database for leachable and extractable food contact chemicals (FCCs) to help in chemical identification during targeted and untargeted analysis; database covers 1038 CCS values; study tentatively identifies >100 migrants from 24 plastic food packaging articles including 11 that are of potential concern or are priority hazardous substances
Migration vs. solubility
New scientific study finds that in certain cases migration studies can be substituted by solubility measurements; modified OECD method shows solubility of select antioxidants, UV stabilizers in some food simulants is below SMLs
Studies assess PFAS, OPEs, and plasticizers in paper & board
Review summarizes per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) migration from paper food packaging into food and food simulants and identifies dietary exposure of PFAS as potential human health risk; study highlights need to further evaluate organophosphate esters (OPEs) and prohibited PFAS in paper and aluminum foil food packaging; scientists analyze and recommend extraction method to assess plasticizers in recycled paperboard