Plastic recycling processes, regulations, market data and safety issues addressed
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
Circular economy
A circular economy seeks to maintain the value of products and close the material loops in industrial systems, while minimizing waste and reducing raw material and energy inputs. Sometimes also referred to as the ‘circularity’ of a product. Increased recycling of food packaging waste is seen as an important component enabling the transition to a circular economy, but it presents particular challenges, especially with regard to chemical safety.
Microplastics
Microplastics are an invisible form of plastic pollution; effects on human health and the environment are largely unknown; summary article and FPF dossier define microplastics, explain sources and occurrence, focus on food contact materials
Migration modeling
Mathematical modeling of chemical migration from food packaging into food is mainly applicable to plastic materials; useful tool for regulatory compliance testing, risk assessment, safe packaging design, estimating consumer exposure; new approaches for other food contact materials needed
Non-intentionally added substances (NIAS)
NIAS occur in all types of food contact materials, are often unknown, may migrate into food; summary article and dossier provide definitions, examples, legal background, risk assessment strategies
Mineral oil hydrocarbons
Mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOHs) are commonly measured in food and human tissues; food contact materials present an important source of MOHs; toxic properties and bioaccumulation potential of MOHs reason for concern
EU Parliament Report on FCMs
In October 2016, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the implementation of the Food Contact Materials Regulation EC 1935/2004. A wide variety of issues is addressed to better protect public health and support functioning of the internal market.
Can coatings
Epoxy-based can coatings are currently being replaced by alternatives because of toxicological evidence, public discussions, and recent regulatory decisions. FPF article provides background information on the requirements, materials and properties of can coatings.
Adverse outcome pathways
Adverse outcome pathway (AOP) describes the sequence of events linking initial molecular perturbations to adverse outcomes in organisms and populations; this framework supports the use of high-throughput animal-free toxicity testing methods in regulatory decision-making