Topics
NIAS
September 28, 2026
German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) proposes tiered approach for evaluating non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) in food contact materials (FCMs) depending on migration levels; acknowledges some NIAS may remain unidentified
Reading time: 4 minutes
September 14, 2026
Scientists systematically identified 15 high-throughput in vitro assays for screening chemicals and mixtures for impacts on non-communicable diseases; approach integrates key characteristics concept and adverse outcome pathways (AOP); enables a more relevant toxicological screening of chemicals than is currently required by regulations
Reading time: 3 minutes
September 13, 2023
Study performs migration testing on 79 plastic baby food pouches; finds four bisphenols, five phthalic acid diesters in targeted analysis and 26 more in suspect screening including 23 non-intentionally added substances (NIAS); NIAS adipic acid - diethylene glycol exceeds the threshold of toxicological concern in 40% of the pouches
Reading time: 2 minutes
August 10, 2023
Scientists find cyclic polyethylene terephthalate (PET) oligomers migrate into fatty food simulants but not olive oil; levels higher from recycled compared to virgin PET; comprehensive extraction and migration experiments of Tritan™ products find oligomer migration from bottles of no toxicological concern but microwaveable containers were non-suitable for food heating
Reading time: 4 minutes
May 3, 2023
International Life Sciences Institute Europe publishes document on analytical methods and challenges in identifying non-intentionally added substances (NIAS); focus on non-harmonized food contact materials (FCMs) including silicones, inks, adhesives; discusses strengths and limitations of various methods; includes proposal on communication along the supply chain
Reading time: 1 minute
March 13, 2023
Scientists perform target and non-target screening of recycled plastics and provide recommendations on methods; detect >280 organic chemicals and metals in 21 plastic flakes and pellets used in recycling; analyze several recycled polymers and find polyethylene terephthalate (PET) the only one currently complying with European circular economy requirements; compare analytical methods to assess the chemical composition of recyclates giving their strenghts and limitations
Reading time: 7 minutes
February 27, 2023
Interlaboratory study evaluates protocol for consistent safety assessment of coated metal packaging materials; guidance comprises sample preparation, chemical and biological analysis; finds technical differences affect outcome; emphasizes need for aligned protocol to avoid inconsistencies
Reading time: 2 minutes
February 10, 2023
Review summarizes analysis and presence of oligomers in food contact materials (FCMs) made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and polystyrene (PS) including challenges; study suggests ionic strength may influence migration of polyamide (PA) oligomers from PA FCMs
Reading time: 6 minutes
November 18, 2022
Researchers analyze oligomer in extracts and migrates of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) food contact articles also comparing levels in food and food simulants; report human exposure to oligomers can exceed daily threshold in some scenarios; express the need for toxicological evaluation of PBT oligomers
Reading time: 2 minutes
