Polystyrene microplastics inhibit hatching, decrease growth rates, and alter feeding preferences and innate behaviors of European perch, according to new Science study
ECHA proposes not approving 4 silver compounds in FCMs
European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) Biocidal Products Committee (BPC) announces opinion not approving silver compounds for application in food contact materials (FCMs); includes silver zinc zeolite, silver zeolite, silver copper zeolite, silver sodium hydrogen zirconium phosphate; finds risk unacceptable for human health; next meeting scheduled in June 2021
EFSA: Update on BPA reassessment
New working group of EFSA’s CEP Panel to commence evaluation of BPA hazard studies in September 2018; finalization of new BPA hazard assessment foreseen for 2020
EFSA working group updates in April 2020
Minutes from recent meetings of the EFSA CEP panel and working groups on BPA, FCMs, and recycling plastics published
EFSA: Work plan for 2017 and beyond
EFSA Management Board plans authority’s work for the coming years; EFSA to continue ongoing projects, develop guidance for risk assessment, review independence policy and increase stakeholder engagement in 2017
EFSA: Evidence use in scientific assessments
EFSA survey identifies authority’s methodological needs for use of scientific evidence in its assessments as part of PROMETHEUS project
PEF: New food contact polymer on the horizon
Polyethylene furanoate (PEF) set to take PET market share, approval for food contact use pending
Public consultation: EFSA guidance on substances in baby food
EFSA publishes draft guidance on the risk assessment of substances in food for infants younger than 16 weeks; public consultation open until March 31, 2017
EFSA calls for study proposal on implications of new EFSA FCM guidelines
EFSA to commission study of implications of new FCM guidelines, some chemicals may require re-evaluation
Melamine’s effects beyond kidney
Scoping review identifies potential health effects of melamine other than renal damage, including impacts on neurological functions, behavior, reproduction, and growth