The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is hosting a virtual forum on childhood obesity and possible links to environmental exposures. In particular, early life chemical exposures will be explored as a possible explanation for the huge increase in obesity in the U.S. and around the world.
Researcher reviews in the scientific journal Nature Reviews Endocrinology evidence of Bisphenol A causing obesity in children and adolescents .
A Europe wide research project will analyze contaminants in a wide variety of foods to estimate total dietary exposure.
A sampling of different food stuffs by a northern German broadcast finds the phthalate diethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) in packed cheese, butter and cream.
A scientific review article published in the peer-reviewed journal Trends in Analytical Chemistry describes recent advances in the analysis of food packaging migrants.
A newly published article identifies PET dishes used to package heated meals as source of two phthalates, while the same meals packaged in aluminum trays did not show elevated levels. All meals contained both phthalates prior to packaging.
Lack of information for self-affirmed GRAS (generally recognized as safe) substances has been highlighted by scientists of the public interest group PEW Charitable Trust in the US. Now the industry reacts by making available a database with manufacturers self-determined GRAS substances, used in food contact materials and/or food. Critics maintain that this effort is insufficient, and that a proper safety assessment needs to be carried out by the regulator instead.
On the 7 and 8 November scientists meet to debate latest developments in the methods of risk assessment in the area of food contact materials
From 14 to 16 November interdisciplinary food packaging experts will meet to discuss quality and safety of food contact materials.
The Food Packaging Forum Foundation is a science communication organization that provides independent and balanced information on issues related to food packaging and health. In doing so, the Foundation addresses a broad range of stakeholders including business decision makers, regulators, media and communication experts, scientists and consumers.
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