Scientists analyze migration of chemicals and microplastics from microwavable food containers; identify dozens of intentionally and non-intentionally added substances and up to over one million microplastics per liter in food simulants; migration partly exceeds Cramer class-based recommendations
March 30, 2021
Tackling the toxics in plastics packaging
Article in PLOS Biology discusses hazardous chemicals in plastics; highlights chemicals as critical but often missing aspect in plastic pollution discussion; proposes rethinking current approach to plastic packaging toxicity testing
October 8, 2020
Bioassays
Rapid and cost-effective non-animal-based in vitro bioassays can be used to improve the toxicological testing of food contact materials; journal article reviews currently available assays and future challenges
July 23, 2020
Chemical analytics of novel food packaging
Scientists review chemical analytical approaches for food contaminants originating from packaging, including active packaging and novel biopolymers; call for thorough characterization of substances migrating from active packaging, including impurities, auxiliary compounds, potential biotransformation products
February 18, 2020
The Guardian discusses plastic food container safety
Article introduces recent research quantifying chemicals that could be present in packaging, testing chemical toxicity; emphasizes chemical unknowns, recommends tips for consumers to minimize chemical and plastic particle exposure
December 10, 2019
P&P conference 2019: Industry perspectives on FCMs
Recycling, biobased polymers, NIAS among the important topics discussed at Smithers Pira’s conference on plastics and paper in contact with food
October 16, 2019
Plastic Health Summit talks published
Event brings together scientists and advocates to discuss latest research on micro- and nanoplastics, plastic additives, and health; presentations recorded and now publicly available
August 26, 2019
EU and U.S. approaches to NIAS
Keller and Heckman article discusses existing regulations related to non-intentionally added substances (NIAS); compares EU and U.S. approaches, outlines risk assessment steps
May 23, 2019
Global Food Contact conference updates
Smithers Pira conference covers global developments in food contact regulations and materials; focus on NIAS testing, non-harmonized EU materials, regulatory changes in Asia
April 25, 2019
ERM seminar on food contact materials
Consultancy firm ERM holds seminar focusing on current developments in regulatory compliance; discuss non-intentionally added substances, recycling, circular economy
