On June 15, 2016 the European Commission (EC) proposed criteria to identify endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the field of plant protection products and biocides (FPF reported). Governmental agencies, industry, environment and health groups, as well as the science community voiced their opinions on the EC’s proposal and mostly expressed criticism and disappointment (FPF reported). Also, various news providers released extensive coverage on the topic.

The Guardian cited human toxicologist Andreas Kortenkamp, who referred to the EDC criteria proposed by the EC as “the worst of all the possible outcomes” and further stated that the criteria present “a total reversal of the intention of the regulation.” The Guardian article also includes opinions by industry and consumer groups.

Plastics News Europe focuses on the critical opinions expressed by industry groups PlasticsEurope, the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic), and the European Crop Protection Association, as well as by several Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).

EurActiv reports on the reaction of pesticide trade group European Crop Protection, who is “extremely disappointed with this proposal from the European Commission.” The EurActiv article also summarizes the positions of EC members, and of industry, health, and consumer groups.

Chemical Watch provides an in-depth background article on the EC’s proposal for EDC criteria as well as a summary of critical opinions expressed by non-governmental organizations, industry, and some Nordic Members States.

PlastEurope focuses on the criticism expressed by industry groups European Chemistry Council (Cefic), PlasticsEurope, and the European Crop Protection Association, as well as the German chemical industry association Verband der Chemischen Industrie.

Global Meat News informs about the position of EU farming body Copa-Cogeca, who is in favor of a risk-based approach on regulating EDCs and sees a disadvantage for the EU agriculture sector in the EDC criteria proposed by the EC.

Read more

Arthur Neslen (June 16, 2016). “New rules to regulate Europe’s hormone-disrupting chemicals.The Guardian

Sara Lewis (June 16, 2016). “Wave of criticism greets endocrine disruptor criteria.Plastics News Europe

Sarantis Michalopoulos (June 16, 2016). “Pesticide industry critical of endocrine disruptors criteria.EurActiv

Luke Buxton (June 16, 2016). “European Commission publishes scientific criteria for identifying EDCs.Chemical Watch

Luke Buxton (June 16, 2016). “Nordics, NGOs criticise proposed EDC criteria. Chemical Watch

PlastEurope (June 20, 2016). “Plastics and health.

Oscar Rousseau (June 16, 2016). “EU urged to think differently on hormone disruptors.Global Meat News

Liz Newmark (June 20, 2016). “Endocrine disruptor standards could damage livestock feed. Global Meat News

Share