US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) adds 18 new entries to its Inventory of Effective Food Contact Substance (FCS)
March 1, 2021
FDA dismisses food packaging as SARS-CoV-2 exposure route
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) publishes statement that proclaims no scientific evidence for SARS-CoV-2 transmission via contaminated food or food packaging
February 26, 2021
EC considers full revision of existing FCM legislation
European Commission (EC) policy officer discusses benefits of revising Article 3 of existing food contact material (FCM) Regulation 1935/2004, suggests this would ensure ‘future-proof’ legislation; alternative approaches being considered based on amending existing legislation; considers fee for chemical assessment and market surveillance
February 24, 2021
China approves six food contact substances
National Health Commission announces approval of two additives, three additives with expanded scope, one new food contact resin
February 19, 2021
Model legislation suggests regulation of PFAS and phthalates
Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH) announces model legislation update, suggests regulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and ortho-phthalates, stricter limits for heavy metals
February 18, 2021
Rare earth elements found in FCMs, recycled plastics
Researchers at University of Plymouth find rare earth elements in 24 of 31 tested products including children’s toys, food contact materials (FCMs); highest abundance in plastic recycled from electronic waste; authors suggest plastic recycling process as source for contamination; suggest elements as indicators for presence of other additives such as brominated flame retardants
January 15, 2021
Guide for FCM regulation in the UK
UK’s Food Standards Agency releases food contact materials (FCM) authorization guide; no reauthorization needed for plastic or regenerated cellulose film additives authorized in the EU before January 1, 2021; application process for new substances will take up to 15 months; Northern Ireland will remain under EU rules
January 14, 2021
McDonald’s phases out PFAS
McDonald’s announces plan to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from all guest packaging materials globally by 2025
January 8, 2021
Which foods could use less packaging?
Study by Package Heroes project investigates plastic material content in food product categories and greatest potential for plastic reduction; finds reduction would have strongest positive impact for candy, ready-to-eat meals; data helps to focus research on specific product groups
November 20, 2020
China criticized for screening packaged foods for coronavirus
China finds coronavirus on food packaging from 20 countries, restricts the import of food products, does not share lab results; attracts criticism from trade partners that demand end to restriction, more information on used testing methods; World Trade Organization (WTO) meeting to reconcile conflict not successful