Foster sustainability through holistic considerations along the food production and supply chain
Hazards of food contact materials: Food packaging contaminants
Industry opposes update of phthalate authorization
European Plasticisers deems inclusion of endocrine disrupting properties of DEHP, DBP, BBP, DIBP in Authorization List ‘unnecessary overregulation’ that will put ‘excessive burdens’ on industry
Review of endocrine disruptors in beverage packaging
Publication assesses over fifty studies on endocrine disrupting chemicals migrating from packaging into beverages; finds that material type, acidity, and storage impact migration rates; phthalates were most detected in polymer films, while bisphenol A was measured most in canned beverages
Switzerland updates federal law on food contact materials and articles
Removes list of unevaluated substances used in packaging inks; updates positive lists of for packaging inks, plastics, and silicones; brings ceramic and glass regulations in alignment with EU
EFSA stakeholder workshop on small particles and nanoparticles in food
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) presentations provide guidance on small particles in food and feed applications (i) evaluating the potential presence of particles in ‘conventional’ materials and (ii) how to perform nano-specific risk assessment; stakeholders share experience and discuss practices to implement guidance cost-effectively
Asbestos responsible for higher mortality than car accidents
The New Statesman reports on asbestos industry and its victims; some types of asbestos also authorized for food contact materials in US
Packaging of the future
Zurich University of Applied Sciences holds annual symposium; developments in sustainability, migration, and active and intelligent packaging discussed
Member States endorse a strong REACH revision
Ministers of environment from 8 EU Member States write open letter to EU Commission to uphold the original ambitions of the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability during the REACH revision and elsewhere in EU policy; Commission should set date for when hazardous chemicals must be out of consumer products; regulations should include essential use concept, risk assessment of chemicals mixtures
Public consultation on REACH review
European Commission (EC) opens a public consultation period concerning the revision of REACH regulation; REACH is responsible for outlining chemical assessment procedures in the EU; possible updates include assessing chemical mixtures, simplifying safety data sheets, and incorporating essential-use concept; consultation period open until April 15, 2022