Scientific study evaluates presence of hazardous chemicals in methanolic extracts from paper and cardboard food contact materials (FCMs) using several bioassays; finds oxidative stress (52%), genotoxicity (100%), impacts on xenobiotic metabolism (74%), antiandrogenic (52%) and antioestrogenic effects (39%); recommends an effect-based approach for hazard identification of food contact chemicals
Chemical industry calls for collaboration to meet EU objectives
European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) publishes report investigating potential scope and impacts of new EU chemicals regulations; finds up to 12,000 substances may be affected by revisions, which are responsible for 28% of the industry’s turnover; adhesives and sealants sectors expected to be most affected
2021 FPF Workshop: Understanding supply chains and improving policies
On the second day of the Food Packaging Forum’s annual workshop, speakers discuss the investments necessary to understand complex food and packaging supply chains and the benefits of taking the time to do so; assessing plastic circularity through a more honest assessment of the post-consumer life of plastics; the ongoing work of European Commission’s food contact materials policy revision
Scientists find phthalates impact development of boys more than girls
Biomonitoring study reports association between maternal phthalate exposure and 24-month-old boy emotional/behavioral problems; short review discusses teratogenic effect and calls for health policies; research article detects phthalates in wide range of US foods, indicates phthalate migration from food processing equipment; review evaluates gas chromatography-based approaches to measure phthalates in aqueous and solid foods
UV-328 qualifies for screening as POP
Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC) meeting finds antioxidant UV-328 (TINUVIN-328) fulfills all four criteria for screening as Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP) under the Stockholm Convention; next step is the preparation of a draft risk profile for the widely used plastic additive
Food packaging leachates impact gut microbiome and metabolites
Scientists explore the impact of long-term oral exposure of mammals to food packaging leachates on gut microbiome diversity, composition, and metabolites; report changes in gut microbiota and metabolites mainly associated with oxidative stress, immunity, and inflammatory responses
A vision for safer food contact materials: Public health concerns as drivers for improved testing
European investors sign letter for a strong PPWR
European investors call for stronger Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR); advocate for robust regulations for a sustainable future; strong regulation can increase confidence and reduce financial risks
United States creating interagency national strategy on food loss and waste
Three US federal agencies publish draft strategy on food loss and waste prevention; goal to reduce loss and waste by 50% by 2030; includes concerns around physical and chemical contamination of organic waste from packaging; planned investments in “innovative” materials; draft strategy open for comment through January 4, 2024
Environmental pollution causes premature deaths
New study by The Lancet illustrates health and economic burden of air, water, and soil pollution from e.g. fuel combustion and toxic chemicals; authors propose pollution control solutions