Scientists evaluate consumer health risks from food contact articles made of aluminum; tolerable weekly intake may be significantly exceeded with grill pans and camping cookware used with acidic foodstuffs
April 21, 2017
Feasibility of EU chemicals legislation database
ECHA evaluates feasibility of developing a database summarizing EU legislation for individual chemicals; updates on transparency efforts, future goals
April 21, 2017
Plastic debris in the Arctic
Scientists demonstrate abundance of plastics fragments in the Arctic waters; far-north areas may form a final sink for plastic debris in the oceans; concerns voiced about further accumulation and effects on Arctic ecosystem
April 19, 2017
Target presents new sustainable packaging goals
U.S. retailer Target announces new sustainability goals for its own-brand packaging, pledges efforts to improve recycling and increase demand for recycled packaging
April 19, 2017
Sweet potato and thyme used for bio-packaging film
U.S. scientists develop nanocomposite film from sweet potato starch, thyme essential oil, and nanoclay; potential applications include packaging of fresh fruits and vegetables
April 18, 2017
Opinion: Industry should replace titanium dioxide
French food safety agency issues opinion on TiO2 nanoparticles as food additive; recommends further research and limiting exposure of workers, consumers, and environment
April 18, 2017
Toxic chemicals in articles made from recycled plastics
Article in The Guardian discusses contamination of children’s toys made from recycled materials with hazardous flame retardants; environmental organizations call for government action
April 13, 2017
Dutch Food Safety Authority promises more openness
Dutch food safety authority makes risk assessment of Dutch waffles highly contaminated with mineral oils public; pledges more information access and transparency in future risk assessments
April 13, 2017
Parabens increase BPA exposure
Parabens inhibit several biotransformation enzymes involved in steroid hormone metabolism and chemical detoxification; study in mice shows that co-exposure with butyl paraben results in elevated internal levels of estradiol and BPA
April 13, 2017
Impact of labels, inks and glues on PET recycling
Industry study shows negative effects of incompatible label materials, glues, and inks on the recyclability of PET drinking bottles; impacts on color and clarity of recycled PET
