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
January 29, 2020
New antimicrobial film for food contact
Researchers develop antimicrobial layer that can be bonded to polyethylene films used for vacuum packaged foods; film controls growth of bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses
November 23, 2018
Survey on quats
Canadian government initiates survey of quaternary ammonium compounds aiming to establish national inventory
March 28, 2018
Implementation of EDC criteria for biocides
EU biocides authorities settle how criteria to identify endocrine disruptors for biocides will be realized; criteria to apply from June 7, 2018; ECHA and EFSA prepare final guidance document
November 2, 2017
EFSA working group on FCMs: 26th meeting
Updated meeting minutes of EFSA’s CEF Panel working group on food contact materials now available online
October 12, 2017
ECHA approves five uses for biocides
Biocidal Products Committee of ECHA adopts 10 opinions on applications for approval of 3 biocides; PHMB may be approved for food and feed
August 15, 2017
New antimicrobial plastic films
Researchers develop plastic films with antibiofilm activity by incorporating N-halamines into the polymer matrix; potential applications in food production and processing
August 8, 2017
Surfactants linked to birth defects
New U.S. scientific study associates exposure to quaternary ammonium compounds with transgenerational birth defects in rodents
July 24, 2017
EDC criteria for biocides progressing
EU Member States hold final discussion on criteria to identify endocrine disruptors in the field of biocidal products; Commission to adopt proposed criteria soon
July 19, 2017
Webinar on EU EDC criteria
Chemical Watch holds webinar on EU Commission’s criteria to identify endocrine disruptors under pesticides, biocides and REACH regulation on July 27, 2017
