EU reviews metal limits in ceramic and glass FCMs

European Commission initiative to consider lowering migration limits for lead, cadmium, other heavy metals in ceramic, glass, and enamel food contact materials; feedback on roadmap open until June 26, 2019, full public consultation to follow

EU commission calls for additional FCM testing

European Commission asks EU member states to carry out additional tests to determine prevalence of substance migration from food contact materials and articles; recommendation targets primary aromatic amines, bisphenols, plasticizers, and fluorinated compounds

EU chemicals policy 2030 conference

European Commission to host high level conference June 27-28, 2019 to present results from chemicals legislation reviews, invite stakeholders to discuss developments and next steps within the EU

Responses to EU FCM consultation

Stakeholders urge equal treatment of SVHCs in REACH and FCM legislation, call for more harmonized FCM measures

FPF position paper on EU FCM regulation

Food Packaging Forum submits comments for the European food contact regulatory review; suggests clarification of assumptions and publication of updated guidance for safety assessments for all food contact materials

Challenges and developments in plastic converter industry

Food Contact Plastics Seminar 2019 discusses use of the mutual recognition principle, improved supply chain communication, analysis of non-intentionally added substances, and regulation of recycling for plastic FCMs

Faster action on EU EDC strategy needed

EU environment ministers urge Commission to speed up action on EU-wide endocrine disruptor strategy to tackle toys, cosmetics, food contact materials; clearly defined timelines requested; fitness check of relevant EU laws addressing EDCs to be launched next

Assessment of voluntary plastics pledges

EU Commission assesses voluntary pledges made by industry in response to EU strategy for plastics in circular economy; chemical recycling frequently mentioned but rarely included in the volumes of recycled plastic pledged; more information needed on chemicals in plastic waste

Circular economy stakeholder conference

European Commission and European Economic and Social Committee host 2019 conference on circular economy, focus on success stories and new challenges

Guidance on mineral oil hydrocarbons

EU Commission’s Joint Research Centre publishes guidance for sampling, analysis, and reporting of monitoring results for mineral oil hydrocarbons in food and food contact materials