European Commission (EC) publishes policy framework on bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable plastics; aims to guide policy, industry, and public; “bioplastics” should not distract from circular economy principles prioritizing reduction, reuse, recycling; 17th annual European Bioplastics conference gives insights into recent bioplastics’ developments; bioplastics production capacities projected to almost triple by 2027
FCM substances ubiquitous in pubertal girls
Agence France-Presse reports on investigation of environmental causes of breast cancer; phthalates, BPA and pesticides found in all girls participating in study
Newsweek article reports on opposing viewpoints on BPA
Representatives from academia, government and industry express their opinions on BPA, battle over BPA safety continues
FDA called on to clarify its PFAS statements
Environmental Defense Fund questions U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s statements that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) not a concern in foods, requests details about analytical and risk assessment methodology to help fill “critical gaps” in FDA statements
Video explains BPA health risks
Online video covers European Food and Safety Agency’s latest scientific opinion on bisphenol A
Updated risk assessment highlights the need for stricter regulation on MOH in food
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) updates risk assessment on mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) in food; highest MOH levels found in vegetable oils; notes that data gaps exist, especially in mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) impact on toddlers; “extremely likely” that dietary exposure to MOAH is a concern for toddlers; EFSA recommendations aim to guide EU policy on allowable MOH levels in food
Microplastics in human stool
Scientists detect microplastics in every human stool sample collected in eight countries, call for further research to better understand influence on gastrointestinal health
Hazardous chemicals and recycling
Dutch institute for public health (RIVM) recommends “responsible” plastics recycling; use of purification technology to minimize exposure to chemicals of concern is advised
FDA: FCMs subject to import verification rule
U.S. Food and Drug Administration decides that also food contact substances in imported food need to be compliant with U.S. standards
Microplastics in food: occurrence, source, detection, and perception
Three studies investigate microplastics in foods; review summarizes particle migration from food packaging into honey and calls for universal analysis methods; research study presents analytical method to detect and identify microplastics in certain foods; survey finds public seems unaware of food packaging as microplastic source and seldomly connects microplastics with human health consequences