PlasticsEurope concerned that French BPA regulation will disrupt the EU market
Microplastics in sea salt
Researchers find microplastic particles in commercial sea salts from different countries; human intake estimated to be low; more research needed to assess health risks
Authorized FCMs may harm children’s brains
NGO finds 300 food additives to interact with thyroid system, 41% are used as food contact materials
Chinese government and industry work on FCM regulation
China amending the national food contact material (FCM) regulation for the first time since 2016; amendments would expand use of previously approved food contact chemicals (FCCs) and food additives; redefines FCM to clarify that packaging material must contact the food item; industry association issues draft guidance; regulatory agencies approve or in process of approving multiple new FCCs
FDA adds thirteen substances to food contact inventory
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) adds 13 new entries to its Inventory of Effective Food Contact Substance (FCS); notifications submitted since August 6, 2020
Article discusses toxic chemical exposure and COVID-19
Environmental Health News calls for reducing public’s exposure to toxic chemicals within food packaging, processed foods; cites studies linking COVID-19 death risk to existing chronic conditions, calls out chemicals as exacerbating the problem
COVID-19 to not delay EU single-use plastic directive
Industry association request to delay pending restrictions denied by European Commission; member states still expected to implement directive into national laws by original deadline
EFSA: New safe liquid absorber
EFSA finds liquid absorber based on crosslinked polyacrylic acid and sodium salt safe for food contact; does not exceed migration limit
7 steps to identify EDCs
New ECETOC report presents step-by-step guidance for identifying endocrine disrupting chemicals; complements EDC guidance developed by ECHA and EFSA and focuses on weight-of-evidence approach
Two active substances authorized for food contact
EFSA authorizes citric acid and sodium hydrogen carbonate as carbon dioxide generators in food packaging