EU reference laboratory for FCMs publishes annual report 2015; delivered methods and guidance for composition and migration testing of FCMs
TSCA reform signed into law
U.S. President Obama enacts bill reforming Toxic Substances Control Act; news providers and health group explain implications of updated U.S. chemicals regulation
Microplastics in food-grade salts
New study finds microplastics in 90% of tested salt brands worldwide; microplastic contamination of sea salts correlates with plastic pollution in surrounding seawater
Restaurant food likely source of phthalate exposure
New study evaluates NHANES data and finds link between food consumption at restaurants, cafeterias, fast-food outlets and increased urinary phthalate levels
Diabetes and chemicals
Role of chemicals in diabetes etiology not discussed in WHO Diabetes Day statements, despite existing scientific evidence; patient shares his story
Opinions: Toxic chemicals in everyday products
Article in New York Times outlines the issue of exposure to toxic chemicals from common products and the consequences for human health
1.8 mio t of PET bottles recycled in 2015
Report commissioned by Petcore Europe reveals that 59% of all PET bottles placed on the European market were collected for recycling in 2015; report to be discussed at Petcore Europe 2017 conference
Industry alliance on plastic waste
‘Alliance to End Plastic Waste’ to raise $1.5 billion in member commitments; help address plastic waste management in urban areas and rivers
ECHA adopts substance evaluation plan
Member states adopt community rolling action plan (CoRAP) and plan to evaluate 29 substances in 2019, some of which used in food contact materials
U.S. NGO requests ‘moratorium’ on new PFAS
U.S. NGO Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) calls on Congress to halt the introduction of new per- and polyfluoalkyl substances on the market until more is known about their toxicity and persistence; calls for more studies of cancer risks