EU Commission releases proposal for EU directive on reducing marine litter; reduced consumption, market restrictions, redesign suggested for certain single-use plastic items; public consultation open until July 24, 2018
Critical commentary of mineral oil hydrocarbon study
Scientists from European government agencies publish comment reviewing Nestlé study comparing interlaboratory analytics of mineral oil hydrocarbons
Safety and compliance of FCMs discussed
Interactive seminar focused on the legal requirements and responsibilities of the food contact material supply chain
Implementation of EU circular economy plan
EU Commission evaluates implementation of its circular economy plan; all 54 actions outlined in 2015 ‘have now been delivered or are being implemented’
TSCA evaluation of 1,4-dioxane criticized
Comments on draft risk evaluation question cancer hazard assessment; pending study raises concern for stakeholders regarding transparency; comments being accepted until August 30, 2019
EU nanomaterial definition coming soon
European Commission to update nanomaterial definition by September or October 2016
Inspections for REACH compliance begin
Inspectors and customs authorities to systematically check importers and manufacturers for registration obligations under REACH
In vitro testing of paper and board FCMs
Scientists test paper and board FCMs in 8 in vitro bioassays; all 20 samples showed positive responses in at least one of the assays; chemicals in paper and board FCMs require further investigation to ensure safety
Companies submit incomplete chemical safety data
Environmental Defense Fund uncovers how companies omit toxicological data in notices to U.S. Food and Drug Administration for approval of food additives and food contact substances; focus on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
FPF comments on EFSA’s non-monotonic dose response opinion
Scientific Committee’s Scientific Opinion fails to deliver on European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) commitment to scientific excellence and transparency; Food Packaging Forum (FPF) sends open letter to EFSA’s leadership urging them to address severe shortcomings in content and process; adequate scientific appraisal of non-monotonic dose response (NMDR) is critical for chemical risk assessment that protects public health