EU Commission issues new regulation on the use of bisphenol A in plastic food contact materials, varnishes and coatings, infant ‘sippy’ cups; applies from September 6, 2018
Non-profit group finds nanomaterials from packaging in food
Non-profit group finds titanium dioxide nanomaterial from packaging in donuts
Plastic industry questions regulation on BPA
American Chemistry Council and PlasticsEurope claim safety of BPA for food packaging based on draft CLARITY-BPA core study; many results of 2nd part of CLARITY-BPA still unpublished
DEHP disrupts insulin signaling
Scientists find that long-term oral exposure of adult rats to the phthalate DEHP disrupts insulin signaling pathways, resulting in the development of insulin resistance
EU plastic FCM regulation amended
European Commission publishes 7th amendment to plastic FCM regulation; inclusion of 6 new substances in Union List; new SML for nickel; food simulants and compliance testing specified; food contact surface area to volume ratio clarified
ACC: BPA levels too high to predict egg cell maturation in humans
American Chemistry Council responds to study linking BPA exposure to disrupted egg cell maturation
Chinese TV reports banned plasticizer in plastic food wrap
China Central TV collects plastic wrapped products in supermarkets, finds high levels of DEHA in majority of samples
Migration of chemicals and microplastics from microwavable plastics
Scientists analyze migration of chemicals and microplastics from microwavable food containers; identify dozens of intentionally and non-intentionally added substances and up to over one million microplastics per liter in food simulants; migration partly exceeds Cramer class-based recommendations
2 additional FCMs to enter REACH authorization list
Member states approve addition to REACH authorization list, publication in EU’s official journal soon to follow
New study: phthalates in PET-bottled water of no risk to children’s health
Iranian researchers investigate phthalate migration from PET bottles into water, estimated phthalate exposure of children via water ingestion extremely low