Wide range of hazardous chemicals being evaluated across EU programs for industrial chemicals are also potentially used in food contact materials (FCM); analysis by the Food Packaging Forum reviews recently added chemicals, urges prioritizing known hazardous chemicals in FCMs
July 6, 2020
Ecorys report on evaluation of FCM legislation
European Commission publishes final report developed by consultancy Ecorys on ongoing evaluation of food contact material (FCM) legislation; identifies lack of harmonization across many materials, incoherent risk management measures across legislation; finds that health benefits of the legislation outweigh it costs
July 2, 2020
EU publishes PFOA regulation
European Commission regulation restricts use of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts and PFOA-related compounds as a persistent organic pollutants; sets maximum concentration of 0.025 mg/kg for PFOA and salts, 1 mg/kg for related compounds; series of exemptions also in place
July 1, 2020
Scientists propose basis for managing PFAS as single class
International group of scientists publish peer-reviewed article presenting arguments for managing all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as a single chemical class; recommend allowing only essential uses, applying class-based approach for clean up efforts, setting exposure limits for all PFASs instead of for individual chemicals
June 25, 2020
ECHA adds four new SVHCs to candidate list
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) identifies four new substances of very high concern (SVHCs) set to be phased-out; two are food contact chemicals including 1-vinylimidazole and 2-methylimidazole
June 19, 2020
EEB priorities for upcoming EU chemical strategy
Non-governmental organization European Environmental Bureau (EEB) publishes position paper setting 8 priorities for upcoming EU Chemical Strategy for Sustainability; calls for revision of food contact materials legislation, creation of chemical substitution forums and technical support centers for small and medium sized businesses, ‘polluter pays’ tax
June 18, 2020
Korea updates FCM standards, allows chemically recycled resins
Notification from South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) announces revisions in standards including migration and testing requirements; allows chemically recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) resins to be used in non-food contact parts of food contact materials (FCM)
June 18, 2020
Russia publishes chemicals inventory
Ministry of Industry and Trade releases transitional inventory to inform developing chemicals regulation; open for additional submissions from Russian based companies until August 1, 2020
June 16, 2020
Indian state of Tamil Nadu bans primary plastic packaging
Government announces ban with immediate effect on all packaging where integral parts are plastic; expands current restrictions and includes plastic wrappers and pouches; any alternative plastic packaging must be compostable and approved by state board
June 16, 2020
China consults on two new substances in FCMs
National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA) opens public consultation on use of polyethylene in polyoxymethylene plastics and 2-propenoic acid, polymer with 1,3-butadiene and ethenyl benzene for use in adhesives
