New version of Understanding Packaging (UP) Scorecard published; allows users to create a private account, make and save product portfolios, compare entire business units, and features a more robust scoring system for chemicals of concern that considers the food or beverage being served
New and expanded UP Scorecard version released
Single-Use Material Decelerator (SUM’D) releases new version of food packaging assessment tool UP Scorecard; featuring expanded regionalization capabilities including Europe, functionality to add new customized containers, a simplified scoring system, and a streamlined presentation of results
Nanoparticles in food linked to cancer
Oral ingestion of titanium dioxide nanoparticles induces abnormal immune responses, preneoplastic lesions in the colon; scientists call for re-evaluation of risks from oral exposure to nanoparticles
FPF Workshop 2020: Work of IARC explained
Kate Guyton reviews the work of International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), underlines the essential role played by independent scientific experts, describes processes used for evidence synthesis and carcinogen classification; key characteristics of carcinogens constitute an important approach to cancer hazard identification
Manmade vs. natural estrogens
Article in Nature Reviews highlights different effect potential of manmade vs. natural estrogens in the case of soy and bisphenol A in a study with women undergoing in vitro fertilization
Scientific review reveals the chemicals migrating from PET drink bottles
150 chemicals have been measured to migrate from PET bottles into drinks; 18 chemicals exceed EU migration limits, only 41 included in EU’s regulations on plastic food contact materials; most migrating chemicals are non-intentionally added substances (NIAS); systematic review includes 91 studies
Plastics BAN list
Four NGOs launch the Plastics BAN (Better Alternatives Now) List; identify the most harmful plastic products on the market and suggest readily-available alternatives; California voters approve plastic bags ban
Yahoo News: reusing plastic food packaging
Article by Yahoo Health discusses reusability of food containers made of different plastic materials
NRDC: Most chemically ‘recycled’ plastics in the US are ultimately burned
Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) evaluates eight chemical recycling facilities in the United States; reports that ‘recycled’ material produced by at least five facilities ultimately gets burned for heat or energy production; six facilities are potentially permitted to release hazardous air pollutants such as benzene, styrene, and arsenic; two US states ease restrictions on chemical recycling facilities
IARC replies to critiques
IARC scientists reply to critical commentary; point out the importance of hazard classification as an initial step in the risk assessment process, highlight the role of epidemiological evidence