Industry associations report recycling rates of packaging materials in Europe; average collection rate of glass bottles and jars hit 80% in 2020; paper packaging recycling over 80%; paper recycling rates close to theoretical maximum; plastic recycling has not increased despite increased demand by beverage companies; two-thirds of plastic-packaging pledges in Europe failed, supporting the change away from single-use likely necessary
Summary of responses to EU FCM consultation
EU Commission publishes factual summaries of public consultation and SME panel survey on FCM regulation in the EU
Website on fluorinated chemistries
Industry group FluoroCouncil highlights “benefits and safety” of fluorinated chemicals with newly launched website; dedicated section on food packaging available
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
EFSA stakeholder workshop on small particles and nanoparticles in food
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) presentations provide guidance on small particles in food and feed applications (i) evaluating the potential presence of particles in ‘conventional’ materials and (ii) how to perform nano-specific risk assessment; stakeholders share experience and discuss practices to implement guidance cost-effectively
Study finds microplastics harm immune cells
Researchers at University Medical Center Utrecht observe that immune cell death rate triples after contact with microplastics; presents results at Plastic Health Summit in Amsterdam on October 3, 2019
UN: ‘Beat plastic pollution’
New report by UN Environment reviews global state of plastic pollution and counteracting measures, provides policy recommendations to reduce single-use plastics and improve waste management
Mineral oils in Christmas chocolates
Bavarian food control authority finds MOSH and MOAH in advent calendar chocolate; Foodwatch recommends avoiding consumption of tainted products and calls for stricter regulation of mineral oils in food
BEUC cautions regulators on innovation
European Consumer Organization (BEUC) position document stresses importance of putting consumer and societal needs first, ensuring public money is spent on public goods; shares concerns about ‘Innovation Principle’
Recycling challenges for McDonald’s paper straws
Restaurant chain working with waste management providers in the UK and Ireland to improve recycling of its paper straws; paper thickness initially causing recycling complications, straws being treated temporarily with general waste until solution found