EFSA issues new guidance on the risk assessment of substances in food intended for infants younger than 16 weeks; guidance applies from now on to EFSA food safety assessments
Chemicals in coatings of coffee to go cups
German TV program investigates composition of plastic inner coatings of coffee to go cups; finds samples to contain diisodecyl phthalate and long-chain hydrocarbons
Microplastics in sea salt
Researchers find microplastic particles in commercial sea salts from different countries; human intake estimated to be low; more research needed to assess health risks
Podcast on plasticizers and fast food
Environmental Defense Fund podcast discusses scientific study showing link between high fast food consumption and increased urinary phthalate levels
Recall of Dutch waffles highly contaminated with mineral oils
Dutch waffles recalled in Belgium and the Netherlands due to contamination with MOAH and MOSH at levels of up to 190 ppm and exceeding 1,000 ppm, respectively; exact source of contamination not known
French documentary on nanoparticles in food
Documentary by France 5 highlights use of food additives and what they are made of; special focus on nanoparticles
Public consultation: EFSA guidance on substances in baby food
EFSA publishes draft guidance on the risk assessment of substances in food for infants younger than 16 weeks; public consultation open until March 31, 2017
Eating fish that eat plastic
Article in The Guardian provides extensive summary on plastic ocean pollution, microplastic contamination of seafood, implications for human health, and ways forward
Guidelines for sample preparation needed
EU Commission’s Joint Research Centre publishes study on heavy metal contamination in canned vegetables, shows need for clear sample preparation guidelines to ensure harmonized compliance assessment
Children exposed to lead from water and food
Formula-fed infants and toddlers in U.S. exposed to lead mainly from water and food, respectively, according to new report by Environmental Protection Agency