Half of surveyed people have difficulty with the difference between compostable and biodegradable; 50% of participants fail to dispose of packaging correctly; report suggests better standardization and consumer education needed
Recent studies on EDCs and cardiovascular health
Emerging evidence and systematic analyses highlight adverse effects of bisphenols and phthalates on cardiovascular health; meta-analysis of US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2003-2016 finds significant association of cardiovascular disease with bisphenol A; prenatal exposure particularly detrimental; calls for more mechanistic research, evaluation of cardiovascular safety profiles for substitution chemicals
German BfR comments on the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability
The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) comments on the EU’s Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS); criticizes the alleged exclusion of scientific risk assessment experts in the development and implementation of the CSS; comments supported by others with demonstrated ties to chemical industry.
News from the EU Commission on food contact materials
EU Commission plans authorization of two new substances for use in food contact plastics, postpones discussions on new ceramics legislation and discusses Declaration of Compliance issues
Endocrine-active chemicals in baby bottles
Scientists test 65 chemicals migrating from ‘BPA-free’ baby bottles in a panel of in vitro assays for effects on seven receptors; 12 chemicals show no activity, 53 activate or inhibit at least one of the tested receptors
Maine FCC priority list open for comments
Maine Department of Environmental Protection publishes list of ten food contact chemicals (FCCs) of high concern, follows state’s Toxic Chemicals in Food Packaging legislation; includes bisphenols, parabens, benzophenone, 4-octyl phenol, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, toluene, styrene, benzene methylenedianiline, nonylphenol; open for comments until March 10, 2021
Sustainability in Focus: From Environmentally-friendly Packaging to Responsible Ingredients Sourcing
Gain weight because of endocrine disruption?
A study by scientists from the New York University’s School of Medicine published in September 2012 found elevated levels of a common food contact substance, bisphenol A (BPA), to be associated with a higher risk for being overweight in children and adolescents. The study used nationally representative data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) study collected in 6 to 19 year old US inhabitants. The study’s design does not permit conclusions regarding causation, however biological plausible explanations of how BPA may cause overweight or obesity do exist, making the study relevant and highlighting the need for further research.
EC publishes BPA roadmap
DG SANTE releases roadmap on new measures on BPA in FCMs; different options from no policy change to EU-wide ban on BPA in FCMs discussed and assessed
EFSA assesses monomer for polycarbonate FCMs
EFSA’s CEF Panel considers dimethyl carbonate safe for making polycarbonate repeated-use food contact articles, under certain conditions