Enforcement of migration limits, industry standards, and research collaboration between regulators and academics to investigate BPA’s low-dose toxicity discussed at the FPF 2016 workshop
Majority of plastic food contact articles likely endocrine and metabolism disrupting
Two studies investigating chemicals from retail plastic food contact articles find considerable variability in complexity, with subsequent effects on cell-based tests of hormone disruption; many more chemicals measured from PVC and polyurethane than other polymers though the chemical mixtures from majority of the plastic samples are hormone disrupting; further evidence of PVC and PUR can interfere with GPCR-based cell communication
Plastics Recycling for Food Contact
Sodium carbonate peroxhydrate based active substance allowed for FCM
EFSA considers another active substance safe for food packaging, but not in direct contact with food
European FCM regulation challenged
Workshop at the European Parliament discusses several major challenges to current FCM regulation and enforcement, unites diverse stakeholders in their call for improvements
Call for stronger regulation on chemical mixtures
Scientists call for stronger regulation and better integration of different legislations in order to improve assessment of chemical mixtures’ risks
Scientists detect microplastics in human veins, colon tissue, and urine
Small pilot study analyzes saphenous vein tissues from five individuals and detects 15 plastic particles/g tissue indicating transport of plastic particles within human tissue; review concludes more research needed to elucidate the potential carcinogenicity of micro- and nanoplastics; researchers find potential connection between colorectal cancer and microplastic exposure level; preliminary study report microplastic presence in four out of six urine samples 15 plastic particles/g of tissue
Chemical migration from paper and board into dry foods
New study investigates migration from paper and board into fruits and vegetables, food simulant overestimates migration, washing, peeling and cooking largely ineffective at removing contaminants
Marine plastic debris pollutes food chain
Marine plastic pollution harms wildlife, transfers persistent organic pollutants into the food chain
International summit fails to agree on chrysotile asbestos ban
Delegates meet at a joined summit of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions to discuss the phase out of hazardous chemicals