Researchers from several European and Chinese institutions develop methods to explore chemicals in food contact materials (FCMs); report styrene migration from different polystyrene FCMs into several food matrices; detect photoinitiators in paper FCMs and chlorinated paraffins in green tea and its packaging; find irradiation treatment of metalized polypropylene to reduce migration of tested chemicals
EFSA assesses 2 substances for intelligent and active FCMs
EFSAβs CEF Panel considers basic copper (II) carbonate and citric acid with sodium hydrogen carbonate safe for use in intelligent and active food contact materials under certain conditions
Many REACH registrations non-compliant
Study by German authorities finds 32% of high production volume chemicals non-compliant with REACH safety data requirements; 31% compliant, rest uncertain; European Environmental Bureau suggests actions for improvement
JRC addresses combined exposure to chemicals
The EU Commission’s JRC publishes a comprehensive overview on safety assessment of chemical mixtures
UV-328, PFCAs, chlorinated paraffins move closer to global restrictions
17th meeting of the Stockholm Conventionβs Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC) considers scientific evidence, agrees to move all substances onto next step in review process; long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), medium-chain chlorinated paraffins, and UV-328 all known to have been used in food packaging
Biomonitoring of melamine after plastic bowl use
Taiwanese researchers measure increased levels of melamine in people after consumption of a hot soup from melamine plastic table ware
Microplastics as freshwater contaminants
New study reviews microplastic as emerging contaminant of freshwaters
Chipotle expands PFAS free packaging
Chipotle restaurants aim to phase out per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from packaging by the end of 2021, follows commitments made in early 2020; PFAS already eliminated from burrito bowls in the US, Canada, and soon Europe; company is working with suppliers to prioritize food safety in all parts of packaging production
China seeks comments on 11 food contact chemicals
Chinaβs National Center for Food Safety and Risk Assessment seeks comments on expanded uses of 4 food contact chemicals (FCCs) and 7 new FCCs; two substances are listed in the Food Packaging Forumβs food contact chemicals database as substances of potential concern; comments accepted until September 10, 2021