Scientific study reports that gut passages change polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics morphology and alter human microbial colonic community composition; another study finds polyethylene (PE) microplastics to accumulate in the brain and induce autism spectrum disorder-like symptoms using a mouse model
PFAS and Food Contact Packaging USA
Contaminants migrate from recycled paper and paperboard
New method for the detection of contaminants in in recycled paper and paperboard. Significant levels of BPA, DEHP and nonylphenols found in commercial retail samples of recycled paperboard food contact materials.
US taking steps to measure, mitigate PFAS exposure
US Environmental Protection Agency proposes to classify two PFAS as hazardous substances; would obligate manufacturers who released the chemicals into environment to register the release and potentially pay for cleanup; Over 2800 known contaminated sites; National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine suggests doctors test more groups for PFAS exposure; California likely to implement bill to register nearly all products with intentionally added PFAS
Obesogenic chemicals should be avoided
Exposure to obesogens during early life predisposes for life-long obesity and associated diseases; scientists call on doctors to inform patients on the risks and mitigation measures
Culprit of toxic substances in mineral water identified by manufacturer
Swiss newspaper reports interview with Adelbodner CEO Erich Arter, printing inks on PET caps culprit of toxic substances in mineral water
Over 115 health experts sign statement on safety of reuse
Greenpeace and UPSTREAM publish statement signed by wide-range of doctors and public health researchers, emphasize that reuse systems in stores and restaurants can be implemented safely during COVID-19 pandemic by following standard sanitation laws; single-use items not inherently safer than reusables
Jane Muncke
Managing Director and Chief Scientific Officer
Survey: Shoppers prefer safe products
Safer Chemicals Healthy Families surveys consumers to understand their view on toxic chemicals in products; observes strong preference for ‘safe and healthy products free of dangerous chemicals’
FPF improves usability of brand and retailer initiatives database
Food Packaging Forum (FPF) updates global database of initiatives and commitments by food brands and retailers concerning food packaging safety and sustainability; database now presented as an interactive dashboard searchable by company name, type of organization, location, keywords, and date; currently contains nearly 600 actions pledged or undertaken by over 320 companies