EU Commission launches public consultation on policy options to reduce microplastics entering the oceans; consultation open to all citizens until October 16, 2017
Survey on use of recycled plastics
European Plastics Converters Association launches survey on recycled plastics use in Europe; survey open to all European plastic converters until end of September 2017
Final TSCA framework rules published
U.S. EPA issues final rules on prioritization, risk evaluation, and inventory of chemicals under revised TSCA; scope of risk assessment for first 10 high-priority substances defined
EFSA updates independence policy
EFSA publishes revised independence policy including new elements to avoid conflicts of interest; NGO remains critical of EFSA’s ties to food industry
Chemical metabolism in young and elderly
Scientists review studies demonstrating differences in drug pharmacokinetics between young and elderly people, recommend use of varying uncertainty factors for acceptable daily exposure calculations due to sensitivity differences
Plastics additives in marine environment
Scientists review occurrence and effects of plastics additives in marine environment; focus on brominated flame retardants, nonylphenols, bisphenol A, antioxidants
Obesity and chemicals
Scientists analyze NHANES data from 1971-2008, find changing relationship between caloric intake, physical activity, and obesity; suggest additional factors, such as chemical exposure, may contribute to obesity epidemic
Chinese draft standard for composite FCMs
Chinese National Reference Laboratory for Food Contact Materials issues draft standard for composite FCMs; consultation period open until July 16, 2017
EFSA evaluates 3 PET recycling processes
EFSA considers PET made from recycling processes ‘Coexpan Montonate,’ ‘4PET,’ and ‘Plastienvase’ safe for use in food contact articles under certain conditions