European Parliament criticizes EFSA’s draft independence policy; calls on EFSA to introduce comprehensive cooling-off period for experts, consider research funding among assessed interests, apply policy consistently to all staff
The Minderoo – Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health
Scientists, policy analysts, and healthcare workers from around the world announce formation of the Minderoo – Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health; Commission plans to analyze plastic’s health impacts and develop science-based solutions to protect human health until March 2023
Stakeholders comment on EFSA’s BPA risk assessment
EFSA invites BPA stakeholders for discussion of scientific opinions on risk assessment of BPA; stakeholders from national agencies, NGOs, industry, academia comment
Technical solutions for studying microplastics
Overview papers discuss characterization and identification of microplastics by techniques based on (micro-)Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
Brazil adopts plastics positive list
Brazil transposed a Mercosur resolution containing a plastics positive list for FCM
Plastics in the Environment: Understanding Impacts and Identifying Solutions
Colombia issues resolution on glass and ceramic FCMs
Technical regulation sets specific migration limits for lead and cadmium from glass and ceramic food contact materials (FCMs); provides guides on which products are within scope, limits vary with article type and size
National Geographic's packaging challenge
“Ocean Plastic Innovation Challenge” to reward innovations in food packaging, focus on using easily recycled materials without additives; submissions due June 2019
Bioplastics not a solution to plastic pollution
NGOs publish position paper on bioplastics in circular economy, conclude bioplastics not able to solve problems with conventional plastics, call to reduce use of all plastics
EDC scientists respond to industry assertions
Scientists reject incorrect and misleading statements made by chemical industry in controversy on WHO/UNEP Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals 2012 report