New study investigates conflicts of interest in GRAS determinations of food additives, no independent expert panels
Epigenetics in risk assessment
Current state of epigenetics science and potential integration of epigenetic effects into risk assessment discussed at EFSA colloquium
Assessing risks of hydrophobic chemicals
Scientists argue that water-focused assessment schemes may misjudge risks of hydrophobic chemicals; sediments, particles, exposure through diet additionally play an important role; contribution of microplastics and nanoplastics uncertain but likely low
US EPA: action on toluene diisocyanates
Toluene diisocyanates are known sensitizers, allowed by US FDA as food additives
NIAS causes transgenerational obesity in mice
Substance found as a NIAS in PVC plastics causes transgenerational inheritance of obesity
Bulk food in supermarkets: growth and challenges
Article by Civil Eats discusses the rise of bulk food dispensers in grocery stores to reduce food packaging and challenges they face; presents initiatives from larger chains including re-use of customers’ containers; addresses food safety concerns, need for educating consumers
California adds BPA to list of reproductive toxicants
California scientific expert panel decided to add BPA to the list of chemicals known to cause reproductive harm, NRDC applauds while ACC disagrees
25 years of green chemistry
Article in The Guardian summarizes most important advancements in green chemistry; hosts Green Chemistry Conference on November 2, 2016
New York State rejects fluorinated food containers
U.S. state New York restricts state agencies’ procurement of food containers and wrappers containing PFASs or polystyrene
Indonesia releases new food packaging regulations
Regulations have expanded scope and cover both new and recycled materials; annexes include lists of prohibited and authorized chemicals, migration limits, specifications for materials by food and beverage type; all products must be compliant by July 29, 2020