Journal article presents summary of presentations and discussions from European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals (Ecetoc) workshop; finds new approach methodologies useful for read-across in chemical safety assessments, identifies areas for improvement
CHEM Trust launches website focused on EDCs
New site to serve as resource for concerned consumers on endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs); provides overview of the substances and how they can impact human and environmental health; specific page provides guidance for food contact materials and articles
Scientific challenges in the risk assessment of food contact materials
Four food contact chemicals added to SVHC candidate list
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) adds five new chemicals to the Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHC) and expands listing of a sixth; five of the six have been measured in food contact articles; listing obligates producers and suppliers to provide safety information and to notify ECHA; candidate list now contains 240 substances
New FPF dossier: Mineral oil hydrocarbons
Summary article and FPF dossier on mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOHs) provide information on the presence of MOHs in food contact materials and food, analytical and regulatory challenges, as well as technical solutions
Opinion: TSCA reform must protect public health
Article by health professional Leonardo Trasande outlines opportunities and drawbacks of current bills to reform U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act for protection of human health
EFSA plastics recycling working group: 2nd meeting
EFSA’s CEP Panel working group on recycling plastics holds 2nd meeting; minutes now available online
EFSA FCM working group: 7th meeting
Minutes of the 7th meeting of EFSA’s CEP Panel working group on food contact materials now available online; group discusses three draft opinions including review of untreated wood flour and fibers
ISOE: Guidance on reducing and improving food packaging materials
Scientists at the German Institute for Social-Ecological Research (ISOE) give practical recommendations for food supply companies, associations as well as decision-makers related to reducing single-use and supporting multiple-use packaging, recycling, and innovation on a technological and organizational level
Germany announces intention to restrict bisphenols
Restriction intention submitted to European Chemicals Agency (ECHA); aims to limit bisphenol A (BPA) and structurally similar bisphenols to maximum concentration of 0.02% by weight as additives, residues, and in mixtures; stakeholders invited to submit relevant information; proposal to be finalized in October 2021