Topics
regulation
September 18, 2024
In an opinion piece in Frontiers in Toxicology experts argue that multiple assumptions made by EPA and FDA are outdated; wrongly assume chemicals are quickly eliminated from the body, testing chemicals individually reflects real-world exposure scenarios; authors call for integrating modern scientific principles like mixture toxicology and endocrinology
Topics: regulation, toxicity testing
Reading time: 2 minutes
September 13, 2024
European Commission acknowledges unfeasible deadlines; responds to European Ombudsman inquiry about efficiency and transparency concerns; Commission president intends to simplify REACH
Reading time: 2 minutes
August 14, 2024
4th phase of Jamaica’s single-use plastics ban now in effect; no importation of single-use food containers made with PE, PP, PLA, or expanded PS; also covers plastic drinking straws; food service providers have until January 9, 2025, to use up existing stock
Reading time: 1 minute
July 19, 2024
Perspective article in Science argues PFAS substitution is urgently needed due to their persistence, hazards, and recent regulatory actions; avoiding “regrettable substitution” and finding suitable replacements requires a strategic approach; PFAS replacements should have an effective functionality, minimal safety issues, and a minimal environmental footprint; open data sharing can accelerate the discovery, development, and implementation of safer alternatives
Reading time: 3 minutes
July 5, 2024
Global survey carried out by the OECD asks public about attitudes towards chemicals; 75% aware of health risks posed by chemicals; 82% support stronger government interventions
Reading time: 1 minute
July 4, 2024
Food Packaging Forum (FPF) submits comments to the US Food and Drug Administration on the food additive petition to remove the authorization of fluorinated polyethylene in food contact materials
Topics: regulation, USA
Reading time: 2 minutes
June 28, 2024
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) report outlines four key challenge areas concerning chemicals regulation in the EU; discusses protection against most harmful chemicals, particularly those inducing neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, endocrine disruption; underscores the need for data transparency and a “lack of comprehensive information on many substances”, particularly polymers
Reading time: 2 minutes
June 25, 2024
Japan finalizes structure of positive list for synthetic polymer containing utensils, containers, and packaging for food contact; lists 21 approved polymer types and 827 approved additives; consultation on additional additives ongoing; positive list system must be fully implemented by manufacturers by June 2025
Reading time: 2 minutes
May 21, 2024
Scientists develop holistic conceptual framework to determine polymers of concern; criteria go beyond intrinsic properties and take life cycle considerations into account; packaging particularly problematic regarding environmental leakage; scientists are calling for swift action on polymers of concern despite some data gaps
Reading time: 3 minutes
April 30, 2024
China’s National Health Commission publishes new standard for food contact adhesives, effective February 2025; also publishes food safety standards development plan for 2024 including three pertaining to food contact chemical migration; evaluation of food contact plastics recycling may also come this year
Reading time: 2 minutes
