New study reviews low-dose effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals; urges adaptation in chemical risk assessment.
Viewpoint: Subthreshold effects need consideration in chemical risk assessment
Scientists point out chemical risk assessments worldwide neglect current scientific knowledge; advocate to consider potential subthreshold effects in regulatory risk assessment
EFSA working group on FCMs: 20th meeting
Updated meeting minutes of EFSA’s CEF Panel working group on FCMs now available online
Opinion: EFSA’s draft nano-guidance too broad
Nanotechnology Industries Association comments on EFSA’s draft guidance on risk assessment of nanomaterials, deems scope too general and requirements too conservative
Single-use plastics directive coming into force
EU’s single-use plastics directive now published in the Official Journal of the EU
Companies lack effective strategies to combat plastic pollution, report finds
Report by the World Benchmarking Alliance assesses companies’ measures to protect the environment; many companies do not follow through on commitments; finds lack of action to reduce plastic waste
344 volatile organic compounds in paperboard, new study
17 uncoated food contact paperboard samples from Chinese companies studied; 344 volatile organic compounds detected including aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, ethers, esters, alkanes, and aromatic compounds plus 66 key odor compounds; 5 substances highlighted
Mutagenicity of chemicals in printed paper and board FCMs
Scientists propose strategy for prioritizing assessment of non-evaluated chemicals potentially present in printed paper and board FCMs with help of quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models; identify 106 substances of highest concern
Proposals to standardize chemicals work, data sharing across EU
European Commission adopts legislative proposals working toward ‘one substance, one assessment’ in the EU; plan to create Europe-wide chemicals data platform; allow agencies to commission chemical testing and monitoring, set up an early warning system for chemical risks, and establish a monitoring framework; two proposals restructure responsibilities among EU agencies
FPF comments on EU BPA restriction
Food Packaging Forum (FPF) submits comments to the European Commission on the restriction of bisphenol A in food contact materials; supports the proposed regulation; advocates for shorter transition periods, broader coverage, and development of more advanced detection methods