Presentations and podium discussion at Food Packaging Forum 2017 workshop cover risk communication, the role of testing labs and enforcement, regulatory updates, and transparency issues
Focus on ‘BPA-free’ products
Article discusses common BPA substitutes and whether products labeled ‘BPA-free’ are safer
U.S. senator worried about phthalates in food packaging
New York senator Chuck Schumer urges U.S. Food and Drug Administration to investigate safety of phthalates in food packaging and ban them if found harmful
NGOs challenge FDA’s inaction on perchlorates in antistatics
Several U.S. NGOs file objection to FDA’s decision for continued use of perchlorates in antistatic agents in food packaging; formal public hearing requested
NGOs sue FDA over final GRAS rule
Environmental Defense Fund and other NGOs file lawsuit challenging U.S. FDA’s Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) practice allowing industry to make self-determinations of food additives’ safety
FDA denies action on perchlorates in antistatics
U.S. FDA supports industry petition and revokes use of potassium perchlorate in sealing gaskets for food containers; denies action on NGO petition to revoke perchlorate use in antistatic agents in food contact articles
Hazardous chemicals in the diet
Environmental Defense Fund blog post summarizes potentially dangerous chemicals present in food and food packaging; urges U.S. Congress and FDA to take action
Rising perchlorate in food likely due to packaging
Total diet study by U.S. FDA finds perchlorate levels in food increased in 2008-2012 compared to 2003-2006; NGOs suggest this may be due to perchlorate’s use in food packaging first allowed in 2005; concerns voiced about potential impacts on child development
FDA: Guidance on FCMs in contact with infant food
U.S. FDA publishes draft guidance on substances to come in contact with infant formula and breast milk; comments to be submitted by February 7, 2017
ILSI NA workshop on FCMs
Videos of presentations and panel discussions held at ILSI North America workshop on safety evaluation of FCMs in September 2016 are now available online