Drug store chain Rite Aid expands its chemicals policy to cover food contact materials (FCMs); restricted substances list sets concentration limits, does not allow intentional use in food packaging of various heavy metals, all ortho-phthalates, all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
January 13, 2021
Canada proposes grouping BPA analogues, alternatives
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Health Canada (HC) propose grouping 343 bisphenol A (BPA) structural analogues and functional alternatives under Chemicals Management Plan; request feedback on selection method and grouping until February 17, 2021
December 18, 2020
ECHA RAC: New hazard classification melamine and BPS
European Chemicals Agency’s Risk Assessment Committee (ECHA RAC) agrees on classifications of bisphenol S as category 1b reproductive toxicant, melamine as category 2 carcinogen
May 13, 2020
Calls to restrict bisphenols as a group
ChemTrust article reviews confirmed increase in substitution of bisphenol A (BPA) with other bisphenol alternatives; cites recent toxicity studies and regulatory actions as evidence of regrettable substitution, calls for restrictions on substances as a group
April 17, 2020
EFSA considers new studies on bisphenol S
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) publishes technical report considering two new toxicological studies on bisphenol S (BPS) submitted under REACH; determines that current specific migration limit of 0.05 mg/kg food remains unaffected, calls for more data on migration into food
March 20, 2020
Study investigates fetal exposure to bisphenols
Study of 60 pregnant women finds frequent and high concentrations of bisphenols in maternal plasma, cord plasma, placenta
February 17, 2020
UBA study investigates BPA alternatives
German Environment Agency (UBA) identifies 44 environmentally relevant potential substitutes for bisphenol A (BPA); tests 26 substances in receptor and screening assays, identifies only one substance with both sufficient data and not displaying endocrine-active effects
January 22, 2020
Study finds BPS depresses heart function
Scientists from University of Guleph report bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol A (BPA) able to decrease systolic pressure and rates of contraction and relaxation within minutes of exposure in mice; BPS found to be more potent than BPA, raises concerns about its use as substitute in plastics
November 5, 2019
EFSA working group updates in October 2019
Minutes from recent meetings of the EFSA working groups on BPS, BPA, FCMs, and recycling plastic available
November 4, 2019
California identifies candidate substance groups
Department of Toxic Substances Control announces candidate groups of substances used in food packaging to be priority products under Safe Consumer Products program; includes BPA and alternatives, PFAS, and ortho-phthalates; two additional workshops scheduled in November and January to discuss chemicals, answer open questions