EFSA asks European Commission to consider multiple routes of exposure when setting limit for phenols in food contact materials
PET recycling will not meet brand commitments
National Association for PET Container Resources concludes that U.S. PET recycling rates too low to meet brand commitments for recycled content; calls for action, including improving collection
EFSA: Consultation on TTC guidance
EFSA opens public consultation for guidance on using Threshold of Toxicological Concern in food safety assessment; public comments to be provided until January 8, 2019
Workshop to support enforcement of EU FCM regulation
Article summarizes objectives and proceedings summary of a workshop series taking place in September 2021 helping EU agencies to strengthen enforcement of compliance work for food contact materials (FCMs) in Europe; 84 participants compile toolbox guiding enforcement agencies’
Reviews examine biobased polymers
Several recent reviews examine the value chain of biobased polymers; discuss clarification of terms such as biobased, degradable, biodegradable, and compostable; define “biotechnological recycling (bio-recycling)” as the use of enzymes and microorganisms in a technological setting to biodegrade polymers; three biodegradable polymers assessed in marine field trials
BPA masculinizes female brains
New results from FDA’s BPA low dose study show significant effects on female rat brains at lowest dose
China calls for data on 24 substances
Chinese ministry requests data on physical-chemical properties, toxicity, production & use, environmental exposure for set of chemicals; 17 are used in food contact materials; feedback open until August 31, 2019
Spain: New regulation for recycled PET in FCMs
Spain authorizes use of recycled PET and other polymers in food contact materials under certain conditions
Fiber tray to replace black plastic
Supermarket chain Waitrose & Partners introduces fiber based packaging for ready-made meals; tray is microwave and oven safe, recyclable in paper stream, compostable at home
Chemical migration from paper and board into dry foods
New study investigates migration from paper and board into fruits and vegetables, food simulant overestimates migration, washing, peeling and cooking largely ineffective at removing contaminants