BPA in Danish tomato cans

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