European Food Safety Authority publishes draft scientific opinion on risks posed by chlorinated paraffins in food, opens public consultation until September 17, 2019
August 12, 2019
NGO calls to ban PFAS in food packaging
Environmental Working Group calls on U.S. Food and Drug Administration to ban per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in food packaging; cites report finding PFAS used in restaurant chain compostable paper bowls; PFAS manufacturer Chemours discontinues three products for PFAS food packaging coatings
August 12, 2019
TSCA evaluation of 1,4-dioxane criticized
Comments on draft risk evaluation question cancer hazard assessment; pending study raises concern for stakeholders regarding transparency; comments being accepted until August 30, 2019
August 8, 2019
Recycling challenges for McDonald’s paper straws
Restaurant chain working with waste management providers in the UK and Ireland to improve recycling of its paper straws; paper thickness initially causing recycling complications, straws being treated temporarily with general waste until solution found
August 7, 2019
Polystyrene microplastic and intestinal tissue
Experimental study examined uptake and effects of polystyrene microplastic on human intestinal cells and on mice; finds no relevant acute health risks to mammals
August 6, 2019
Mercosur positive list for FCM plastic additives
Latin American trade bloc publishes resolution defining additives allowed in food contact material plastics and polymeric coatings; aligns with EU regulations, defines specific migration limits, usage restrictions
August 5, 2019
FDA called on to clarify its PFAS statements
Environmental Defense Fund questions U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s statements that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) not a concern in foods, requests details about analytical and risk assessment methodology to help fill “critical gaps” in FDA statements
August 5, 2019
Plastic Health Summit conference
Conference on October 3, 2019, in Amsterdam to focus on reviewing current scientific research in micro- and nanoplastics, plastic additives, and health; registration and program available online
July 31, 2019
Initiative for a circular bio-based Europe
EU Commission publishes roadmap outlining proposed initiative for developing research partnerships; aims to drive innovation, value creation from waste and biomass; open for public comment until August 27, 2019
July 31, 2019
Huffington Post article on plastics and health
Article discusses hazardous chemicals in plastic packaging, highlights unknowns regarding health impacts, complexity of the issue