FDA announced filing of two food additive petitions submitted by consumer groups
US NGOs: FDA must reassess safety of BPA
US scientists, public health and environmental organizations submit formal petition to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requesting it to restrict or remove current bisphenol A approvals for use in food packaging; cite new scientific evidence showing safe exposure level 5,000-times below FDA’s current limit
FDA/SOT colloquium on food contact substances
Colloquium co-organized by FDA and Society of Toxicology provides an overview of FDA’s practices in safety assessment of food packaging and other food contact substances, discusses alternative coatings and nanocomposites
NGOs sue FDA over final GRAS rule
Environmental Defense Fund and other NGOs file lawsuit challenging U.S. FDA’s Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) practice allowing industry to make self-determinations of food additives’ safety
Organizations sue US FDA over failure to react on phthalates in FCMs
Earthjustice files case in a federal court on behalf of eight civil society organizations; calls on US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to come to a final decision on a petition filed in 2016 within 60 days; petition argues safe use of phthalates can no longer be proven and calls for a ban in all food contact materials (FCMs)
US FDA issues nano-guidances
US FDA publishes draft guidances on nanotechnology in food, cosmetics and animal feed; manufacturers encouraged to consult with the agency before marketing their products
U.S. FDA sends objection letters to industry
FDA staff furloughed by U.S. governments, letters of objection sent to all submitters of food contact notifications due to lack of staff
FDA denies hearing on perchlorate
U.S. Food and Drug Administration rejects request by nine NGOs to hold a public hearing challenging earlier decision on perchlorate in food packaging; requestors now considering legal options
Experts question US FDA’s safety assessment of recycled plastics
Environmental Health News reports on process to approve recycled plastic products for food contact; researchers quoted in the article argue that the approach is insufficient; more thorough testing and safety assessments needed
FDA to formally adopt food additive approval process
FDA reaches settlement with Center for Food Safety, to adopt final rule on food additive notification process