National Health Commission opens public consultation on 16 food safety standards; sets stricter limits for metals used in food contact materials (FCMs), removes use of 4% acetic acid as food simulant; comments accepted until October 20, 2020
July 23, 2020
Inorganic elements in PHA bioplastics
Scientists measure content and migration of inorganic elements from polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA); report higher levels in PHA produced from municipal waste and wastewater sludge fractions compared to PHA produced from fruit wastes; in all cases migration below set migration limits
February 4, 2020
Third party proficiency testing of laboratories
Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) launches proficiency testing of laboratories providing services to measure heavy metal concentrations in foods; results to inform Baby Foods Council, help stakeholders identify capable laboratories
Topics: compliance, metals
April 8, 2019
Thailand proposes standard for FCMs
Thailand notifies WTO of future mandatory standard for thermoset plastics derived from formaldehyde
March 27, 2019
Key chemicals of concern in food packaging
Environmental Defense Fund publishes list of key chemicals of concern in food packaging and food handling equipment
January 28, 2019
EU considers new calculation rules
New calculation methodology for recycling under discussion by EU; could impact actual recycling rates in meeting set 2030 targets
December 21, 2018
Lead and arsenic in food contact paper
Low migration of lead and arsenic measured in food contact paper bought in Korea; resulting human exposure estimated to be within safe levels
December 21, 2018
Aluminum migration from baking foils
Scientists measure leaching of aluminum into baked meat; higher amounts transferred from simple foil compared to foil with baking paper on inner surface
December 14, 2018
Cadmium in decorated glassware
Review of cadmium pigments in consumer products; food-contact relevant sources include small quantities in recycled plastics, high use in ceramic products, main exposure risk from decorative paint used on drinkware
December 14, 2018
Metals in paints on chopsticks
Scientists investigate metals in paints on chopsticks; total concentrations variable with some high values reported, resulting in ‘unacceptable’ health risks for exposure due to incidental paint ingestion or metal migration into food