Researchers report plastic fragments may exacerbate breast cancer metastasis; review summarizes nanoplastic uptake into human cells; studies find occupational microplastics exposure can be reduced by wearing face masks; millions of micro- and nanoplastics are released during 30-second food blending; scientists more worried about microplastic impacts on the environment than humans
April 27, 2023
FPF submits feedback on packaging and packaging waste regulation
Food Packaging Forum (FPF) responds to European Commission’s call for feedback on the proposed packaging and packaging waste regulation (PPWR); FPF highlights aspects of food packaging and chemical safety that should be included in future versions; primarily (i) considering presence of hazardous chemicals in packaging materials meant to be recycled or reused, (ii) clearly defining compostable packaging and guaranteeing safety, and (iii) defining inertness
April 26, 2023
PFAS found in popcorn bags in US, Indonesia
US based and Indonesia based NGOs publish report on PFAS in popcorn bags; all 29 samples tested contained at least one PFAS
April 21, 2023
Measuring trade-offs between packaging waste and food waste
Australian Fight Food Waste Cooperative Research Center surveys consumer perceptions of packaging’s role in encouraging or preventing food waste; United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) breaks down results from 33 life cycle analyses comparing packaging and food waste; makes structured recommendations for when packaging or food waste costs are higher based on food type, consumer and regulatory support, and strength of local waste management systems
April 20, 2023
Baby foods as dominant pathway for infant exposure to antioxidants
Targeted analysis demonstrates widespread contamination of Chinese baby foods with traditional and novel antioxidants; plastic food packaging identified as one source; prevalent and high migration of 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol from different types of plastics
April 19, 2023
EFSA: Dietary exposure to BPA is unsafe
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) publishes scientific opinion on bisphenol A (BPA); tolerable daily intake reduced by a factor of 20 000; concludes that there is a health concern from current dietary BPA exposure levels for entire population
April 19, 2023
Survey shows European consumers lack information about food contact articles
European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) surveys EU consumers on experience, knowledge, and attitude on food packaging; consumers feel under informed; 90% of consumers support stricter rules to prevent health effects; recommends overhaul of EU food contact policies
April 18, 2023
New Japanese coalition to protect children from harmful chemicals
Group of Japanese consumer organizations form ‘Network for Protecting Children from Hazardous Chemicals’; purpose is to gather and communicate scientific research and urge for legislative changes; inauguration event takes place on April 22, 2023
April 14, 2023
ECHA hosts webinar on PFAS restriction
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) details PFAS restriction proposal in webinar; consultation open until September 25, 2023
April 12, 2023
FCCmigex database updated
The Food Packaging Forum updates Database on Migrating and Extractable Food Contact Chemicals (FCCmigex); encompasses 149 additional studies with more than 4600 new entries
