EFSA scientific opinion suggests revision of tolerable intake values for two perfluoroalkyl substances
Report critically reviews brands’ plastics commitments
New report by the Changing Markets Foundation investigates commitments on plastic packaging made by largest food and consumer goods companies; criticizes consistently failed promises, sees voluntary initiatives as tactics to distract from and avoid responsibility
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: Plastic pollution in food
EFSA’s CONTAM Panel issues scientific statement on microplastics and nanoplastics in seafood; considers consumers’ exposure to plastic additives and contaminants low and unlikely to be harmful
Opportunities for India to improve EDC management
Article assesses India’s current approach to managing endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs); identifies EDC actions as fragmented and far behind developed countries; proposes actions to move ahead by adopting new modern regulatory framework for managing EDCs, enhancing monitoring, raising awareness, employing public-private partnership programs
Walmart evaluates its chemical footprint
Walmart becomes first retailer to participate in Chemical Footprint Project survey, measuring its use and reduction of chemicals of concern
Intelligent packaging: Applications overview
Scientists review basic principles and market applications of intelligent food packaging; discuss the obstacles to a broader market penetration
U.S. bill to ban BPA in food packaging
U.S. Senator and Representatives introduce the “Ban Poisonous Additives Act of 2016” calling for a ban on bisphenol A in food and beverage containers
Birgit Geueke
Senior Scientific Officer
Opinion: Public health revolution needed
New York Times article discusses exposure to toxic chemicals and long term health effects; calls for public health revolution to prevent further spread of preventable chronic diseases