Agency requested by industry to conduct risk evaluations on DINP and DIDP; NGOs criticize request as attempt to block state action; public comment on the matter open until October 3, 2019
August 19, 2019
EU authorizes new substance in plastic FCMs
European Commission amends EU 10/2011 regulation on plastic food contact materials, authorizes use of poly((R)-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-(R)-3-hydroxyhexanoate) for contact with dry or solid foods
August 15, 2019
Japan notifies WTO of positive list
Ministry notifies World Trade Organization of planned positive list system for food-contact plastics; separate lists for base polymer plastics, coatings, minor monomers; notification open for comments until October 8, 2019; system enters into force June 2020
August 15, 2019
Taiwan to identify chemicals of concern
Taiwanese Environmental Protection Agency developing screening and assessment standards for identification of substances with food safety concerns, high hazard levels, high production volumes; draft list to be released by end of 2019
August 15, 2019
Aquafina, Dasani water in aluminum cans
Beverage manufacturers PepsiCo and Coca-Cola both plan to release their flagship water brands in new packaging, including aluminum cans and bottles; new packaging to be rolled out in the U.S. through 2020
August 15, 2019
Philippines bans BPA in baby bottles
Food and Drug Administration of the Philippines issues ban on bisphenol A in infant feeding bottles and sippy cups; importers and manufacturers given six-month phase-out period to remove affected products from market
August 14, 2019
Lower PAH concentrations recommended
German Federal Office for Risk Assessment (BfR) recommending polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentration of < 0.2 mg/kg in consumer products; criteria to inform voluntary safety standard
August 14, 2019
Discussions on uncertainty in risk analysis
EFSA publishes event report on the International Conference on Uncertainty in Risk Analysis held in February 2019; main conclusions drawn from conference focus on advocating training, scientists’ ethical responsibility, actively avoiding undetected uncertainty sources
August 13, 2019
Status report on advancing U.S. recycling
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports on status of working group efforts, identifies priority actions; current focus largely on exploring options, enacting legislation still a distant prospect
August 13, 2019
Methods for testing packaging seals
Article describes and compares available testing methods for ensuring the integrity of food packaging seals