Multimedia Monitoring Database (MMDB) comprises data from 20 public monitoring data sources in harmonized machine-readable format; to support chemical exposure assessment and decision-making
Microplastics found in human placenta
Research study finds microplastic in placentas of four healthy women, detected both on the maternal and fetal sides of the placenta, membrane in-between; particles could enter the women’s body through oral or respiratory exposure, potential long-term effects for the fetus to be investigated
Warmer summer, higher BPA exposure
New study investigates the association between water consumption from PC dispensers and uBPA levels
Portuguese study surveys consumption of packaged foods
Finds on average 1.5 kg packaged food consumed per person per day, plastic packaging makes up largest fraction by material type (69%); provides detailed tables of packaging material type across food groups and sociodemographic characteristics
Controversy over TTIP
Greenpeace leaks TTIP negotiation documents implying risks for environment and public health; EU Commissioner for trade asserts that trade deal will not lower EU standards
Loop to promote reusable packaging
Loop concept aims to enable provision of common consumer goods in reusable packaging; pilot schemes to operate in selected U.S. and European regions in spring 2019
Hazardous Chemicals in Plastic Packaging (HCPP) Project
The Food Packaging Forum is leading a multi-partner research project on “Hazardous chemicals in plastic packaging: State of the art, prioritization, and assessment.” The project runs from 2017 until 2019.
Phthalates: impact on leiomyoma growth and mixture risk
Study identifies mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) exposure as high-risk factor for leiomyoma growth on epidemiological and mechanistic level; European biomonitoring of five reprotoxic phthalates demonstrates necessity to integrate mixture risk assessment into regulatory practice; targeted analysis shows migration of five phthalates from polypropylene food packaging
Indian draft FCM standard for printing inks
Bureau of Indian Standards consults on revised draft standard for printing inks in food contact materials; recommends exclusion of several pigments, dyes, solvents, plasticizers and other compounds from printing ink formulations
China developing or updating many food safety standards in 2024
China’s National Health Commission publishes new standard for food contact adhesives, effective February 2025; also publishes food safety standards development plan for 2024 including three pertaining to food contact chemical migration; evaluation of food contact plastics recycling may also come this year