EU assesses chemicals of potential concern

European Member States assess risk management options for BPA and other substances relevant for food contact materials

Updated Swiss FCM regulation enters into force

New Swiss food law including FCM ordinance entered into force May 1, 2017; many CMR-substances deleted from positive list for printing inks

NGOs demand action on SVHCs

European and international NGOs ask EU REACH Committee to take action on siloxanes, phthalates and nanomaterials

Swiss FCM regulation updated

Switzerland adopts new national food law; regulation on food contact materials as well as annexes covering plastic articles, silicone articles and printing inks updated

Non-target screening of silicone rubber extracts

Scientists perform non-target screening of compounds extracted from infant silicone teats; identify 140 compounds in 12 categories; more than a third of substances need safety evaluation

Health risks of ‘BPA-free’ baby bottles

Scientists evaluate health risks of migrants from ‘BPA-free’ baby bottles made of PP, PA, PES, silicone, Tritan™, stainless steel; silicone bottle, several PP bottles of ‘high concern’; Tritan™ bottle, several more PP bottles of ‘concern’

Update: Siloxanes D4 and D5 to be restricted

ECHA’s Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis agrees to restrict siloxanes D4 and D5 in personal care products

ECHA: Siloxanes D4 and D5 to be restricted

ECHA’s Committees for Risk Assessment and Socio-Economic Analysis decide to restrict siloxanes D4 and D5 in personal care products

Silicones

Silicones are a highly versatile class of polymers. Silicone-based food contact materials include fluids, rubbers and resins. Further, silicones are used as additives in plastic. The dossier covers areas of application and current regulations, and reviews migration, exposure, and toxicology of silicones.

New FPF report: Silicones

Background article about applications, regulatory issues, migration and toxicology of silicones in food contact materials