First study to link maternal BPA exposure to neonatal thyroid function in male newborns but mechanisms remain unclear
EDCs affect male genital and reproductive health
Two articles discuss potential effects of fetal EDC exposure on male genital development and reproductive health
New Zealand symposium on food safety
First session of the New Zealand Food Safety Science & Research Centre annual symposium is a webinar on chemical contaminants in food; presentation on New Zealand-wide project to study impacts of microplastics on human health and natural resources; new project developing guidelines to help food industry navigate the use of food packaging containing recycled material
Phthalate exposure and health impacts
Four scientific articles report on phthalate exposure sources and impacts; diet partly explains urinary phthalate levels in adolescents and children surveyed in the US and New Zealand; review of reviews summarizes human health impacts; finds studies on women “generally underrepresented”; study indicates three phthalates affect human oral health
EFSA updates HBCDDs risk assessment
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) publishes update on risk assessment of hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDDs); results support conclusion that dietary exposure in EU not a health concern except for breastfed children; panel will consider mixture approach once risk assessments of all groups of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) updated
UNEP and EU updates on marine plastic pollution
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) completes survey of South-East Asian consumers and businesses, finds ‘significant disconnect’ between expectations and actions taken to address plastic waste; European Commission (EC) and European Environment Agency (EEA) publish status reports on marine protection efforts in the EU, show mixed results with increase in plastics contamination
New EFSA FCM working group: 1st meeting
EFSA’s CEP Panel working group on food contact materials holds 1st meeting; minutes now available online
NGO letter to new EU Commission on chemical pollution
Group of 24 organizations call on incoming European Commission president to prioritize three zero pollution goals; highlight use of hazardous chemicals in food packaging, outdated EDC strategy, toxics in the circular economy
EFSA publishes uncertainty guidance
EFSA issues new guidance on uncertainty analysis in scientific assessments; public consultation on draft guidance for communicating uncertainty upcoming
EFSA publishes Work Plan 2013
EFSA’s work plan for 2013 includes guidance document on food contact materials, evaluations of plastic food contact materials and recycling processes.