Scientific study evaluates presence of hazardous chemicals in methanolic extracts from paper and cardboard food contact materials (FCMs) using several bioassays; finds oxidative stress (52%), genotoxicity (100%), impacts on xenobiotic metabolism (74%), antiandrogenic (52%) and antioestrogenic effects (39%); recommends an effect-based approach for hazard identification of food contact chemicals
July 15, 2021
Plastic container fluorine treatments create PFAS
Scientists from Environmental Defense Fund and Green Science Policy Institute find fluorine gas treatment used on “millions of polyethylene and polypropylene containers each year” including those for food contact; treatment can produce PFAS that migrate from the material
July 15, 2021
Third episode of ‘Unwrapping Food Packaging’ video blog released
Food Packaging Forum publishes third episode of video blog; discusses the presence of non-intentionally added substances in food packaging and the safety and circular economy challenges they pose; reviews the limited enforcement of known chemicals in marketed food packaging, challenges posed by biodegradable packaging, and the approach of prioritizing the most hazardous chemicals
July 14, 2021
OECD report reconciles PFAS terminology
OECD publishes report providing a revised definition of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); gives stakeholders practical guidance on how to use the terminology and a systematic approach on how to characterize PFAS based on molecular structural traits; proposed terminology developed to comprehensively reflect the universe of PFAS
July 14, 2021
ECHA adds 8 chemicals to SVHC Candidate List
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) updates the Candidate List for substances of very high concern (SVHCs); four out of eight new candidates are food contact chemicals: glutaral, medium-chain chlorinated paraffins, 1,4-dioxane, and 2-(4-tert-butylbenzyl)propionaldehyde and its individual stereoisomers; 219 substances now on the SVHC Candidate List
July 13, 2021
Meeting builds momentum and outlines goals for ICCM5
Participants at the Berlin Forum on Chemicals and Sustainability discuss goals and build momentum for the upcoming 5th International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5); ministerial dialogue took place July 7th; stakeholder dialogue held on July 8th with over 800 participants
July 13, 2021
Review investigates challenges of assessing NIAS in plastic FCMs
Literature review summarizes challenges regarding non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) in plastic food contact materials (FCMs); describes 52 studies with their applied methodologies for NIAS extraction and identification, plastic types analyzed, and NIAS detected; highlights NIAS assessment as a challenge for scientific community and industry due to lack of hazard data, a missing harmonized methodology, and outdated regulatory guidelines
July 9, 2021
EC postpones decision on 13 substances ECHA recommended for REACH
European Commission notifies World Trade Organization of 5 substances for the REACH Authorization list out of 18 originally recommended by European Chemicals Agency (ECHA); 5 of the 13 postponed chemicals are in the Food Packaging Forum’s Food Contact Chemicals database as priority hazardous substances
July 8, 2021
Web-based intervention reduces EDC exposure levels
Scientists design a web-based behavioral intervention to reduce endocrine disruptor exposure in mothers with young children; involves educational videos and games to affect diet, product use, and other habits; study finds one-month intervention significantly lowers urinary concentration of bisphenol A, triclosan, parabens, and phthalate metabolites
July 8, 2021
Whistleblowers claim EPA is hiding chemical risks
The Intercept reports four career staff members of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) claim that the agency is hiding risks discovered in toxicological assessments of chemicals; plans additional follow-up articles to further investigate the claims
