Scientists perform target and non-target screening of recycled plastics and provide recommendations on methods; detect >280 organic chemicals and metals in 21 plastic flakes and pellets used in recycling; analyze several recycled polymers and find polyethylene terephthalate (PET) the only one currently complying with European circular economy requirements; compare analytical methods to assess the chemical composition of recyclates giving their strenghts and limitations
EFSA conference 2018: Human health
Presentations at EFSA conference 2018 address advances and challenges in human health risk assessment; NTP official confirms that there will be a third CLARITY-BPA report integrating academic and regulatory studies
Regulatory identification of BPA as endocrine disruptor
Special issue of Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology addresses regulatory identification of bisphenol A as endocrine disruptor, summarizes evidence for endocrine-mediated adverse effects on estrous cycle, mammary gland development, neurobehavior, metabolism
Novelties of bioplastics: EC’s policy framework and industry updates
European Commission (EC) publishes policy framework on bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable plastics; aims to guide policy, industry, and public; “bioplastics” should not distract from circular economy principles prioritizing reduction, reuse, recycling; 17th annual European Bioplastics conference gives insights into recent bioplastics’ developments; bioplastics production capacities projected to almost triple by 2027
Summer 2023 research snapshot: PFAS in food packaging, food, and potential health impacts
A summary of eight studies; scientists quantify per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in French fast food packaging; detect eleven PFAS in baking trays from China but not Spain; find PFAS in straws made of paper, bamboo, glass, and plastic; “compostable” service ware can contaminate compost with PFAS; find PFAS in edible oil worldwide; further articles focus on PFAS in drinking water, in Asia, and effects on child respiratory health
EFSA: updated opinion on FCM phthalates
Updated draft scientific opinion on risk assessment of DBP, BBP, DEHP, DINP, and DIDP in food contact materials published; webinar to be held on March 15 and public consultation open until April 14
Web stream available for EFSA conference
EFSA conference on food safety on October 14-16, 2015 in Milan, Italy can be followed live via web stream; questions for Q&A sessions can be submitted via Twitter or EFSA-Expo website
EFSA releases 2nd update to OpenFoodTox database
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) update adds 150 substances from 200 additional scientific assessments; future versions of database to expand coverage of chemical properties to metabolism, bioaccumulation, and exposure data
EFSA FCM working group: 4th meeting
Minutes of the 4th meeting of EFSA’s CEP Panel working group on food contact materials now available online; WG continues risk-assessing several new FCMs, discusses prioritization of substances listed in the EU food contact plastics regulation without specific migration limits
CEF Panel: 74th plenary meeting
EFSA’s CEF Panel discusses PET recycling processes and new mandates for evaluating food contact chemicals at 74th plenary meeting held March 7-8, 2018