National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA) opens public consultation on use of polyethylene in polyoxymethylene plastics and 2-propenoic acid, polymer with 1,3-butadiene and ethenyl benzene for use in adhesives
Migration from bamboo-containing plastic FCMs
Scientists detect dozens of volatile and non-volatile substances migrating from ‘bamboo’ food packaging; melamine migration exceeding specific migration limit; conclude bamboo-melamine articles ‘a risk to consumer’s health,’ their promotion as biodegradable ‘a fraud to consumers’
BPA still in some Danish tomato cans
Danish Consumer Council finds BPA in 2 and BADGE in 4 out of 13 food can coatings; use of BPA in can coatings seemingly decreased since 2016
New standard test method to identify plasticizers
ASTM International publishes method to ensure compliance with US phthalate migration standard
Carcinogenic potential of BPA
Scientists review carcinogenic properties of bisphenol A; propose that BPA be classified as ‘probably carcinogenic to humans’ due to its tumor promoting properties in the breast and prostate
Toxic effects of MOSH exposure
Dietary exposure of rats to mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) fractions similar to those accumulating in humans causes increase of liver and spleen weights; clinical significance needs further investigation
Perchlorate found on European fruit and vegetables
German TV channel analyzes European food samples for chemical contaminant perchlorate, authorized for food contact in the US
EFSA updates guidance on nanomaterials in the food chain
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) releases guidance documents on the technical requirements to establish the presence of small particles in food products, and how to perform risk assessments of nanomaterials in the food chain; includes migration of particles from food contact materials; agency reports on outcomes from the public consultation period
Can phthalates make you fat?
New study investigates metabolic effects of DEHP exposure in mice in vivo and in vitro; increased weight gain and fat mass, impaired insulin tolerance and changes in serum metabolites observed
US congressional committee questions FDA about lack of action on phthalates
Letter from the US House Oversight and Reform Committee to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asks what steps FDA is taking to evaluate human health effects from, or to ban, phthalates in food packaging and processing materials