Chemical Watch holds conference on U.S. food contact regulations on March 8-9, 2018 in Arlington, U.S.
Chemical monitoring database published
Multimedia Monitoring Database (MMDB) comprises data from 20 public monitoring data sources in harmonized machine-readable format; to support chemical exposure assessment and decision-making
Microplastics found in human placenta
Research study finds microplastic in placentas of four healthy women, detected both on the maternal and fetal sides of the placenta, membrane in-between; particles could enter the women’s body through oral or respiratory exposure, potential long-term effects for the fetus to be investigated
Warmer summer, higher BPA exposure
New study investigates the association between water consumption from PC dispensers and uBPA levels
Portuguese study surveys consumption of packaged foods
Finds on average 1.5 kg packaged food consumed per person per day, plastic packaging makes up largest fraction by material type (69%); provides detailed tables of packaging material type across food groups and sociodemographic characteristics
Controversy over TTIP
Greenpeace leaks TTIP negotiation documents implying risks for environment and public health; EU Commissioner for trade asserts that trade deal will not lower EU standards
Japan preparing food contact material regulation for June 2025 enforcement deadline
Japan finalizes structure of positive list for synthetic polymer containing utensils, containers, and packaging for food contact; lists 21 approved polymer types and 827 approved additives; consultation on additional additives ongoing; positive list system must be fully implemented by manufacturers by June 2025
Loop to promote reusable packaging
Loop concept aims to enable provision of common consumer goods in reusable packaging; pilot schemes to operate in selected U.S. and European regions in spring 2019
U.S. FDA launches webpage on micro- and nanoplastics in food
Provides general information on micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs); claims there is no evidence showing health risks; comments on lack of standardized methods for detecting, quantifying, and characterizing MNPs
Hazardous Chemicals in Plastic Packaging (HCPP) Project
The Food Packaging Forum is leading a multi-partner research project on “Hazardous chemicals in plastic packaging: State of the art, prioritization, and assessment.” The project runs from 2017 until 2019.