Study shows offspring of fish exposed to BPA and EE2 to have decreased fertility and increased embryo mortality three generations later
EFSA working group updates in November 2020 to March 2021
Minutes from recent meetings of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) CEP panel and working groups on bisphenol A (BPA), food contact materials (FCMs), recycling plastics, and phthalates published; groups continue discussions and revisions of draft opinions; new working group on re-evaluation of phthalates and structurally similar substances in FCMs launched
Need to evaluate cumulative impacts of environmental chemicals
New study identifies 300 chemicals allowed in food to potentially affect brain development
Case study on different sets of EDC criteria
Industry-sponsored study assesses four natural substances using EU Commission’s different options for criteria to identify endocrine disruptors; highlights need for including potency considerations in EDC criteria
EFSA opinion on PFOA and PFOS in food
EFSA scientific opinion suggests revision of tolerable intake values for two perfluoroalkyl substances
BPA linked to hyperactivity
Meta-analysis substantiates BPA’s link to hyperactivity in children
Styrene concentrations in German and Italian refrigerated dairy products
Scientists assess styrene levels in polystyrene food packaging, migration into refrigerated dairy products, in 50% ethanol, as well as factors influencing migration; report styrene migration of 5 to 30 µg/kg food at the best before date; find food contact area, temperature and time rather than fat content influence styrene migration
Hazard assessment of FCM extracts
Scientists review studies on the use of select bioassays to assess hazard of food contact materials; bioassays considered a useful addition to targeted chemical analysis, especially in the assessment of finished materials and articles
Avoiding regrettable substitutions
History of green chemistry discussed in The Guardian; experts call for informed strategies for removing classes of hazardous chemicals from consumer products
Microplastics impact oyster fertility
New study finds micro-polystyrene to disrupt feeding pattern and reproduction in oysters; exposed molluscs had fewer and more slowly growing offspring