Zero Waste Europe webinar on April 7, 2020 to examine how to prioritize public health while still progressing towards zero waste lifestyle during pandemic, feature speakers from association for sustainable resource management (ACR+) and the Food Packaging Forum
COVID-19 and zero waste
Antimony migration from PET
New study investigates extent of antimony migration from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using EU migration testing rules
FDA studies show short-chain PFAS toxicity, metabolite bioaccumulation
Scientists from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) publish two studies on 6:2 fluorotelomer (6:2 FTOH); find risk posed by toxicity of 6:2 FTOH previously underestimated, acidic fluorotelomer metabolite bioaccumulates
China authorizes new substances for food contact
Chinese National Health Commission approves 4 substances for use in coatings and as adhesive, expands use of 2 existing food contact chemicals
Danish environment minister comments on EDC criteria
Esben Lunde Larsen appreciates effort, but criticizes outcome of EC’s criteria on endocrine disrupting chemicals; proposes two category approach identifying confirmed and suspected EDCs
EFSA assesses chemical mixture for use in active packaging
EFSA’s CEF Panel considers mixture of carboxymethylcellulose, acetylated distarch phosphate, bentonite, boric acid, and aluminum sulfate safe for use as liquid absorber under intended conditions of use
Melamine’s toxicity linked to gut bacteria
Microbiological intestinal breakdown to cyanuric acid a plausible explanation for kidney stone formation, according to a new scientific study
Studies assess PFAS, OPEs, and plasticizers in paper & board
Review summarizes per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) migration from paper food packaging into food and food simulants and identifies dietary exposure of PFAS as potential human health risk; study highlights need to further evaluate organophosphate esters (OPEs) and prohibited PFAS in paper and aluminum foil food packaging; scientists analyze and recommend extraction method to assess plasticizers in recycled paperboard
Canadian identification of low hazard substances
Health Canada publishes updated document to support identification of substances with low human health hazard potential; application demonstrated through subset of 14 substances