Diabetes and obesity increasing globally

New York Times reports on new study showing significant increase in global diabetes and obesity rates

EFSA publishes scientific opinion on acrylamide in food

EFSA considers acrylamide in food a public health concern; draft scientific opinion of 2014 adopted after public consultation

Coca-Cola creates 100% plant-based PET bottle

Coca-Cola presents PET bottle made completely from plant materials; commercial release not yet known

What is the best beverage packaging?

Article in Spiegel Online compares beverage packaging materials made of glass, plastic and aluminum; reusable glass or plastic bottles are considered most eco-friendly

New Norden guidance document on metal and alloy FCMs

Nordic Council of Ministers recommends guideline values for release of 23 metals from food contact materials (FCMs)

Sweden develops nanomaterial registry

KEMI drafts proposal for national nanomaterial register, conducts impact assessment and consults with agencies and stakeholders; process to be finalized by December 1, 2015

Fluorinated chemicals discussed in New York Times

New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof explains why polyfluorinated chemicals are of concern, criticizes US chemical regulation

BPA use in metal packaging

Survey by Environmental Working Group shows results for US metal food packaging; 12% of brands use BPA-free coatings; lack of information criticized

EFSA evaluates 2 more PET recycling processes

EFSA’s CEF Panel considers post-consumer PET recycling processes safe for contact with all types of foodstuffs except packaged water

Conference on EDCs in the European Union

EU Commission holds public conference on endocrine disrupting chemicals regulation, shares information on impact assessment and next steps