Rapid risk assessment uses data submitted by member states, previous Foodwatch study; finds 95th percentile exposure of 0.8 to 44.6 µg/kg body weight per day; lack of data leads EFSA to conclude possible concern for human health
BfR answers questions on PFAS and aluminum
German risk assessment institute publishes answers to common questions regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and aluminum, including exposure sources and pathways, health risks, regulatory limits; releases position statement on aluminum intake, recommends avoiding use of uncoated aluminum for food contact
ACC: BPA levels too high to predict egg cell maturation in humans
American Chemistry Council responds to study linking BPA exposure to disrupted egg cell maturation
Chinese TV reports banned plasticizer in plastic food wrap
China Central TV collects plastic wrapped products in supermarkets, finds high levels of DEHA in majority of samples
Migration of chemicals and microplastics from microwavable plastics
Scientists analyze migration of chemicals and microplastics from microwavable food containers; identify dozens of intentionally and non-intentionally added substances and up to over one million microplastics per liter in food simulants; migration partly exceeds Cramer class-based recommendations
Studies confirm hazardous substances in bio-based food contact materials
Three recent studies explore the chemical safety of bio-based food contact materials (FCMs); current analytical methods fail to detect all hazardous substances in bio-based FCMs, in vitro bioassays are suitable addition; Dutch “eco-friendly” FCMs often contain non-biodegradable components and substances like pesticides and PFAS; migration of allergens found
2 additional FCMs to enter REACH authorization list
Member states approve addition to REACH authorization list, publication in EU’s official journal soon to follow
EFSA: New PET recycling process
EFSA’s CEF Panel considers FCMs made from post-consumer PET recycling process ‘San Miguel Industrias PET’ safe for contact with all types of foodstuffs
New study: phthalates in PET-bottled water of no risk to children’s health
Iranian researchers investigate phthalate migration from PET bottles into water, estimated phthalate exposure of children via water ingestion extremely low
Uptake of microplastics on the rise – especially in Southeast Asia
Recent studies explore uptake pathways of microplastics; uptake has increased in recent years; rapidly industrializing Southeast Asian countries more impacted; food packaging responsible for approx. 2.98 × 103 microplastics/person/year; higher exposure for regular consumers of bottled water, tea brewed from plastic tea bags, or ultrafiltered milk