Market research from German consumer organization Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverband (VZBV) finds consumers are concerned about food packaging safety but have little understanding of chemicals in packaging; consumers assume all food contact materials and their components have been tested for safety
PFAS found in popcorn bags in US, Indonesia
US based and Indonesia based NGOs publish report on PFAS in popcorn bags; all 29 samples tested contained at least one PFAS
Nestlé research institute in China
Nestlé opens research institute in China, aims to increase Chinese competence and insights into food safety
Opinion: Industry obstructs reform of toxic chemicals regulations
New NGO article comments on battle of US toxic chemicals reform, new Connecticut, US bill does not reach voting floor
Repercussions of PFOA at Teflon production site
Article discusses history of PFOA, focusing on environmental and public health effects, legal consequences and regulatory implications
Update on recycled plastics FCM regulation in Europe
Standing Committee of the European Commission debates a slightly revised draft regulation on recycled plastics in food contact materials (FCMs); voting carried out as written procedure; final decision expected to be favorable
EFSA considers new studies on bisphenol S
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) publishes technical report considering two new toxicological studies on bisphenol S (BPS) submitted under REACH; determines that current specific migration limit of 0.05 mg/kg food remains unaffected, calls for more data on migration into food
US EPA removes PFAS from Safer Choice Program
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) removes the last two per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from the agency’s Safer Chemical Ingredients List; Safer Choice Program products to be PFAS-free by March 2023; issues letter to handlers of fluorinated polyolefin containers raising awareness for presence of unintended PFAS that may violate Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
EFSA assesses 2 substances for use in FCMs
EFSA’s CEF Panel considers α-tocopherol acetate safe for use in polyolefins and concludes that migration of zinc from nanoparticles in non-plasticized polymers complies with the current SML, however concerns exist over dietary exposure from other sources
Plastic packaging industry discusses current challenges
Food Contact Plastics Seminar 2018 addresses EU plastics strategy, bioassays, Chinese FCM legislation, developments in EU FCM regulations