EFSA’s CEF Panel considers selenium nanoparticles and isobutane safe for use in plastic food contact materials under certain conditions
EFSA addresses polymeric additive
EFSA considers ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer wax safe for food contact
EU committee rejects increasing lead limits in recycled PVC
Environment Committee of EU Parliament rejects EU Commission’s proposal to allow up to 2% lead by weight in recycled polyvinylchloride (PVC); see increased levels as unsafe and unnecessary given available PVC alternatives, argue recycling should not justify continued use of hazardous substances
EU Commission presents EDC strategy
European Commission publishes communication outlining the EU’s strategic approach to managing endocrine disruptors; NGOs criticize lack of specific actions and missing timeline to reduce EDC exposure
Emission of PFCAs from heated kitchenware and consumer products
New study shows perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids to be emitted from heated polytetrafluoroethylene surfaces, emission increases with temperature
Novel photodegradable bioplastics
U.S. researchers synthesize renewable polymeric materials, light-induced degradation occurs in three hours
JRC Symposium compares microplastic analysis methods
European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) symposium summarizes current approaches for microplastic monitoring; research institutions present results of 4 inter-laboratory microplastic analysis comparison studies; no ‘one-size-fits-all’ analytical method, presenters emphasize need for harmonization; Commission outlines policy needs
Melamine migration above EU limits in some children’s cups
Danish Consumer Council reports melamine migration from five of eight tested children’s cups are above legal limits; migration tests undertaken after cups were washed 20 times and filled with a hot drink to simulate use; melamine classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans in the EU
Neurological effects caused by melamine
High doses of melamine during pregnancy affect male offspring
Phthalates found in diverse array of foods, from coffee to baby formula
Systematic review summarizes phthalate occurrence in different foods, discusses sources, and potential risk; researchers assess how coffee packaging and brewing method affects bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) and di-butyl phthalate (DBP) levels in coffee; perform targeted analysis of 245 plastic additives in baby foods; report widespread contamination including a median of 46.1 ng phthalate esters per gram baby food