Zero Waste Europe publishes brief highlighting problems with polyvinyl chloride in food contact applications; advocates for restrictions due to health concerns from additives and microplastics; another report supports ECHA’s findings on significant risks associated with PVC; European civil society organizations petition phase out strategies
ECHA recognizes PFBS as substance of very high concern
European member states agree to recognize perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) as a substance of very high concern (SVHC); cite equivalent concern to carcinogenic, mutagenic, reprotoxic substances, high mobility in environment
High blood pressure linked to dietary phthalate exposure in children
New scientific study finds association between exposure to DEHP and risk factor for cardiovascular disease in children
European Parliamentarians host events on food packaging safety
EU Green Week 2023 includes panels discussing food packaging safety and plastics in a circular economy
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
Symposium on health impact of nanomaterials
US research institute discusses environmental and human health impact of nanomaterials, scientists suggest high throughput screening to control adverse impact
Review assesses 20 years of food safety research
Integrative review analyzes recent scientific advances in food and environmental safety; scientometric analysis reveals increasing multidisciplinary interest between 2001 and 2020; finds contaminants and environmentally friendly food packaging as emerging research topics in the field of food safety
Plastics additives and recycling
Scientists review chemical additives in plastics, addressing migration and environmental impact during their use, disposal, and recycling; emission of toxics and contamination of recycled products should be avoided to ensure health and environmental protection
BPA in air and surface water
New study finds high BPA concentrations in air and surface water near industrial sites; proposes new routes of exposure
BPA linked to miscarriages
Higher risk of miscarriage in women highly exposed to BPA; lead author advises pregnant women to avoid BPA exposure