Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health publishes extensive report summarizing plastics’ effects across life cycle on human health, environment, and the economy; health effects cost society hundreds of billions every year; report includes actions for “governments and industries to minimize the negative consequences of global plastic contamination”
March 17, 2023
Study shows plausibility of PFAS from fluorinated HDPE containers contaminating food
Researchers from the University of Notre Dame detect PFAS & PFCAs in food stored in fluorinated high-density polyethylene (HDPE) containers for one week; authors recommend regulations on food contact uses
March 16, 2023
EU Court of Justice rules in favor of ECHA identifying BPA as SVHC
Trade body PlasticsEurope loses fourth legal case concerning regulations of bisphenol A (BPA); European Court of Justice supports ECHA’s classification of BPA as substance of high very high concern (SVHC)
March 15, 2023
Studies detect microplastics in food and link it to packaging, processing equipment
Several articles published since the beginning of 2023 have analyzed plastic particles in packaged foods and beverages, including salt, sugar, canned fish, bottled water, soft drinks, and cold tea; draw a connection to packaging and food processing; migration studies demonstrate particle release from plastic food containers and breastmilk storage bags; review develops 10 criteria for data quality assessment and find most studies “unreliable” on one or more criteria
March 15, 2023
Vietnam taxes single-use Styrofoam and non-biodegradable packaging
Ministry of Justice proposes tax increase on non-biodegradable packaging and new tax on single-use expanded polystyrene food packaging
March 14, 2023
FDA adds 3 new substances to FCS inventory
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) adds 2 new coatings and a microbial agent to its Inventory of Effective Food Contact Substances (FCS)
March 13, 2023
Chemical characterization of post-consumer and recycled plastics
Scientists perform target and non-target screening of recycled plastics and provide recommendations on methods; detect >280 organic chemicals and metals in 21 plastic flakes and pellets used in recycling; analyze several recycled polymers and find polyethylene terephthalate (PET) the only one currently complying with European circular economy requirements; compare analytical methods to assess the chemical composition of recyclates giving their strenghts and limitations
March 10, 2023
China publishes amendment to standard on uses of additives in FCMs
National Health Commission publishes draft amendment to standard on uses of additives in food contact materials (FCMs) and articles; includes correction about specific migration limits of certain chemicals
March 9, 2023
OECD publishes workshop report on flexible food-grade plastic packaging
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) releases workshop report summarizing current challenges, policies, and potential approaches concerning the sustainable design of flexible food-grade packaging from a chemical perspective
March 8, 2023
Forever Pollution Project maps Europe’s PFAS contamination
Media collaboration evaluates Europe’s contamination by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); maps 17,000 known and 21,000 presumed contamination sites; ChemSec launches PFAS guide for companies
