EFSA reviews effects of BPA on immune system by summer 2016; general reevaluation of BPA to start in 2017; final scientific opinion scheduled for 2018
Global commitment to tackle plastic pollution
Ellen MacArthur Foundation initiates New Plastics Economy Global Commitment to stop plastic pollution at source; 290+ organizations pledge to eliminate, innovate, circulate plastic packaging
EFSA: Plastic pollution in food
EFSA’s CONTAM Panel issues scientific statement on microplastics and nanoplastics in seafood; considers consumers’ exposure to plastic additives and contaminants low and unlikely to be harmful
EFSA: Activity report 2016
EFSA publishes annual report summarizing its work carried out in 2016; highlights include Strategy 2020, nearly 500 scientific outputs, reevaluation of BPA, more data access and stakeholder engagement
Low dose BPA effects
Animal study at National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark finds low doses of BPA affect body weight and behavior in female rats, as well as mammary gland growth and sperm count in male rats
EFSA working group updates in August through October 2020
Minutes from recent meetings of the EFSA CEP panel and working groups on BPA, FCMs, and phthalates published; groups continue discussions and revisions of draft opinions
EFSA: Open plenary meetings 2016
Meetings of EFSA’s scientific panels and Scientific Committee open for observers; Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavorings and Processing Aids will meet on November 29 – December 1, 2016
EFSA published 35 scientific opinions on FCMs in 2014
EFSA issued its annual report for 2014, does not mention low health concern associated with aggregate exposure to BPA
EFSA conference 2018: Engaging society
Presentations at EFSA conference 2018 address current challenges in societal engagement, inequalities limiting participation of citizens and NGOs in science and regulation in the EU
EU Commission’s draft regulation on transparency in risk assessment
EU Commission proposes regulation to improve transparency and sustainability in risk assessment of food safety in the EU; feedback accepted until June 8, 2018