Scientific study characterizes chemicals contained in 210 consumer products made of recycled or virgin material regarding identity, functional use, structural class, and origin and prioritizes chemicals; 65% of chemicals with greater concentrations in recycled materials, along with a higher number of flame retardants, biocides, dyes, and fragrances in recycled materials
EFSA evaluates 4 PET recycling processes
EFSA’s CEF Panel considers FCMs made from post-consumer PET recycling processes ‘Coopbox’, ‘Ecoiberia’, ‘ANL’, and ‘Pramia Plastic Oy’ safe for contact with all types of foodstuffs
Endocrine effects of parabens
Scientists review evidence on paraben preservatives acting as estrogenic endocrine disruptors; certain effects observed in animals not confirmed in humans; studies on parabens’ effects on immune and nervous system lacking
EU Commission restricts four phthalates
EU Commission adopts decision to restrict DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP in consumer products on EU market; food contact materials not covered
EEA briefing on biodegradable and compostable plastics
European Environment Agency (EEA) publishes report providing on overview of challenges and opportunities; includes introduction to relevant terminology, implications of use, and comparison of existing certifications; calls for clearer labeling and increased campaigns to inform consumers
Transgenerational effects and EDCs
Environmental Health Perspectives reports on transgenerational effects of EDCs, new NIEHS research to investigate mechanisms and number of chemicals involved
Consumers want safe BPA-free coatings
New York Times reports on BPA replacements for can coatings, why alternatives are not readily available and ongoing scientific dispute about BPA’s safety
Four acrylates possibly carcinogenic
International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies four acrylates used in food contact materials as possibly carcinogenic to humans; American Chemistry Council criticizes the decision
EFSA: Dietary exposure to BPA is unsafe
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) publishes scientific opinion on bisphenol A (BPA); tolerable daily intake reduced by a factor of 20 000; concludes that there is a health concern from current dietary BPA exposure levels for entire population
EFSA opinions on 10 recycling processes
European Food Safety Authority’s CEP Panel publishes scientific opinions on 10 recycling processes for post-consumer PET; all found to be safe for use in specified food contact applications