Researchers measure micro- and nanoplastics released from plastic tea bags during brewing; find over 14 billion particles released per bag, record dose-dependent behavioral and developmental effects on daphnia
EDC expert responds to WSJ editorial on BPA
The Wall Street Journal publishes a response letter to recent BPA editorial, BPA is a threat to public health
Conjugated BPA is biologically active
New study by Health Canada questions key assumption of bisphenol A risk assessment, shows obesogenic properties of allegedly “detoxified” food contact substance
Effects of phthalate and nonylphenol exposure on development of adolescents
New study associates phthalate exposure with abdominal obesity, as well as delayed onset of puberty in boys
EFSA evaluates alkanamides mixture for use in FCMs
EFSA’s CEF Panel considers mixture of methyl-branched and linear C14–C18 alkanamides, derived from fatty acids, safe for use in for food contact materials under certain conditions
European Parliament passes resolution on chemicals strategy
Calls for ‘one substance – one hazard assessment’ principle, specific provisions for endocrine disrupting chemicals in food contact materials to be treated similar to substances that are carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction
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’
EFSA assesses 2 substances for use in FCMs
EFSA’s CEF Panel considers α-tocopherol acetate safe for use in polyolefins and concludes that migration of zinc from nanoparticles in non-plasticized polymers complies with the current SML, however concerns exist over dietary exposure from other sources
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
EFSA FCM working group: 4th meeting
Minutes of the 4th meeting of EFSA’s CEP Panel working group on food contact materials now available online; WG continues risk-assessing several new FCMs, discusses prioritization of substances listed in the EU food contact plastics regulation without specific migration limits