Research studies show maternal polystyrene (PS) particle exposure can cause testicular and hepatic toxicity in male mouse offspring; report PS microplastics affect rat ovary function; find correlation between human fecal microplastics levels and Inflammatory Bowel Disease; reviews summarize potential human health effects; study develops a tool to screen and prioritize micro-and nanoplastics toxicity studies for human health risks evaluation
Scientists explore effects of micro- and nanoplastics on mammals, including humans
Label for ‘plastic-free’ food packaging
Campaign group introduces product label for ‘plastic-free’ food and drink packaging; retailers Iceland and Ekoplaza, tea brand teapigs to adopt label
Fiber tray to replace black plastic
Supermarket chain Waitrose & Partners introduces fiber based packaging for ready-made meals; tray is microwave and oven safe, recyclable in paper stream, compostable at home
Mineral oil shows estrogenicity in vitro
New study to be presented at upcoming EUROTOX conference shows first research into endocrine disrupting properties of common food contact material contaminant
2021 FPF Workshop: Understanding supply chains and improving policies
On the second day of the Food Packaging Forum’s annual workshop, speakers discuss the investments necessary to understand complex food and packaging supply chains and the benefits of taking the time to do so; assessing plastic circularity through a more honest assessment of the post-consumer life of plastics; the ongoing work of European Commission’s food contact materials policy revision
Updates on global food contact legislation
Global regulatory news and industry initiatives presented at Smithers Pira conference on Global Food Contact; presentations focused on the harmonization of the European legislation and the mutual understanding of global regulatory frameworks
Hazardous chemicals in black plastic food containers
New study detects bromine and heavy metals in black plastic food contact items; recycling of black plastic electronic waste into sensitive consumer goods discussed as source of hazardous chemicals
Opinion: Public health revolution needed
New York Times article discusses exposure to toxic chemicals and long term health effects; calls for public health revolution to prevent further spread of preventable chronic diseases