European Chemicals Agency publishes updated versions of two guidance documents for registration of substances in nanoform
December 5, 2019
China solicits comments on FCMs, new resins
Agency announces expanded uses for three food contact materials and articles, three new resins, and one new food contact substance; public comments accepted until December 25, 2019
December 4, 2019
Switzerland strengthens FCM regulation
Switzerland amends FCM regulation to better align with EU provisions; specifies bans and specific migration limits for epoxy derivatives, prohibits BPA migration from varnished or coated FCMs in products for young children
December 4, 2019
Italy amends stainless steel regulation
Italy expands list of stainless steels authorized for food contact, updates list of unintentionally added elements permitted in stainless steels
December 3, 2019
EFSA opinion on wood flour and fibres
EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes and Processing Aids (CEP) concludes that information supporting the current authorization of wood flour and fibres for use in plastic food contact materials is ‘insufficient’; criteria for future evaluations of plant materials for use as plastics additives address migration and toxicological evaluation of migrants
November 28, 2019
Scientists define 10 key characteristics of EDCs
Outcome of two-day workshop aims to provide universal framework for organizing mechanistic information for hazard identification; recognize features of hormone regulation/action independent of diversity of effects
November 28, 2019
Workshop proceedings on animal testing alternatives
Journal publication presents summary of presentations and key messages from 2017 workshop focused on animal testing alternatives and strategies for food safety assessments
November 27, 2019
BfR statement on bamboo cups and tableware
German institute for risk assessment publishes position statement on melamine-formaldehyde resins, including tableware made with bamboo fibers; warns consumers against using such tableware with hot liquids; recommends lowering specific migration limit of formaldehyde in EU regulation from 15 to 6 mg/kg
November 27, 2019
Civil Eats review article: PFAS in food packaging
Presents overview of recent efforts from packaging industry, civil society, and regulators in regard to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food packaging; widespread awareness and focus on pollution and alternatives bring the issue into public spotlight
November 25, 2019
First annual EU forum on endocrine disruptors
Event brings together EU government agencies, research institutions, stakeholders to discuss endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs); Joint Research Centre (JRC) announces upcoming launch of stakeholder survey to inform ongoing fitness check of EU legislation