Danish consumer council finds BPA in lacquer of cans containing peeled tomatoes; alternatives BPF and BPS not detected in BPA-free cans
Chitosan-GFSE food packaging
Scientists use grapefruit seed extract to fortify natural chitosan-based composite film; newly created food packaging material, free from chemical additives, doubles the shelf-life of perishables by slowing fungal growth
EFSA/WHO report on TTC approach
A report by EFSA and WHO on the use of TTC in chemical risk assessment announces TTC ‘fit for purpose as a screening tool’; article by Chemical Watch discusses some concerns still unresolved
Irish population not at risk from chemicals in food
Irish Food Safety Authority conducts total diet study and finds exposure of country’s population to chemical contaminants in food is low and not of health concern
Benchmark for barrier efficiency
Scientists suggest specification and testing method for barrier efficiency of internal bags used to reduce the migration from food packaging made of recycled paperboard
Carcinogenic potential of BPA
Scientists review carcinogenic properties of bisphenol A; propose that BPA be classified as ‘probably carcinogenic to humans’ due to its tumor promoting properties in the breast and prostate
Guidance on barrier bags
Swiss Packaging Institute publishes new guidance document on barriers for inner bags of recycled cartons; sets benchmark for barrier efficiency to ensure minimal migration of unwanted chemicals from carton into food
EFSA: Information for the public
EFSA opens doors to public on April 26-29, 2016; registration for info sessions open until April 11, 2016
EFSA: Strategy 2020
Management board adopts EFSA’s strategy 2020; main objectives include engagement of public and stakeholders in scientific assessment; policy update on EFSA’s independence planned; CEF and ANS Panels to be replaced by new panels in 2018
Joint venture for FDCA and PEF production
Companies BASF and Avantium join forces for large scale production of FDCA and promotion of PEF as an alternative to conventional plastics