U.S. EPA updates Toxic Substances Control Act inventory, flags over 45 thousand chemicals set to be labeled as not anymore in commerce; webinar on March 15 to explain notification process for manufactures and importers
Gaps in FCM regulation
Extensive article informs about gaps in FCM regulation in the EU, hazardous substances found in FCMs, and efforts made by regulators, industry, and non-profit organizations to improve the situation
Studies examine bio-based active packaging and drivers to mitigate pollution
Literature review explores opportunities of bio-based active materials in food packaging applications and the circular economy; demonstrates high research interest in the topic over last 20 years; finds agro-industrial waste as promising, renewable, and environmentally friendly resource for bio-based materials; study finds circular economy to be the focus of perspective articles to mitigate plastic pollution but mismatch with psychosocial research
Consultations
Current policy engagement opportunities The Food Packaging Forum works within the interface between science and policy. Here we track public consultation opportunities relating to food contact around the globe. Policy subject Organization/Region Closing date Public consultation on Competition Act’s new greenwashing provisions Competition Bureau, Canada September 27, 2024 New and expanded uses of six food contact chemicals National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, China October 2, 2024 Proposed designation of 138 PFOA-related chemicals as class I specified chemical substances; […]
Stakeholders aim for transparency in products
Governmental, non-governmental, and industry stakeholders launch two partnerships to help harmonize chemical regulations and reporting of chemicals along supply chain
California considers policy on PFAS in food packaging
US state’s Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) holds virtual workshop to collect input from stakeholders on use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in plant fiber-based food packaging; suggests it could decide to limit scope of products considered in upcoming policy, draws criticism from advocacy groups
Global Food Contact conference updates
Smithers Pira conference covers global developments in food contact regulations and materials; focus on NIAS testing, non-harmonized EU materials, regulatory changes in Asia
EU panel re-examines health risks of mineral oil hydrocarbons in food
EFSA updates scientific opinion on mineral oil hydrocarbons in foodstuff; concludes some compounds pose health risk to EU population; public consultation is open for comments until April 30, 2023
DG Sante webinar on BPA restriction in food contact
Directorate General for Health and Food Safety (DG Sante) explains the ban of bisphenol A in food contact materials in the EU and discusses what comes next; ban will only affect “intentional use”; comes into force late 2025 or early 2026
From scientific evidence to policy
Journal PLOS Biology publishes special edition on the effects of chemical exposures on public and environmental health; addresses gap between scientific understanding and regulation of chemicals