Nanoparticles released by quasi-ceramic pans

Scientists measure release of titanium dioxide particles from non-stick surfaces of quasi-ceramic frying pans; find considerable migration of both ions and particles, partially in nanoform; acidic simulants and scratching accelerate migration

Testing release of metals from ceramics

EU reference laboratory for FCMs publishes report on approaches to test release of metals from ceramic articles; over seventy samples tested to compare migration in two food simulants and tomato sauce

Interlaboratory comparison of migration testing: Temperature control

EU Reference Laboratory for FCMs publishes a report on interlaboratory comparison for controlling the temperature during migration tests by article filling; results satisfactory only for 30% of the participating laboratories; follow-up study is planned

Interlaboratory comparison of migration testing: Quantification

EU Reference Laboratory for FCMs publishes a report on interlaboratory comparison for testing the migration of caprolactam, and 2,4-di-tert butyl phenol; over 80% of returned test results considered satisfactory

Swiss FCM regulation updated

Switzerland adopts new national food law; regulation on food contact materials as well as annexes covering plastic articles, silicone articles and printing inks updated

EU working group on FCMs: New meeting summary

EU Commission’s working group on FCMs discusses migration testing guidelines, 7th amendment to plastic FCM regulation, mineral oil migration, authorization of recycling processes, and EFSA opinion on safety assessment of FCMs

EU technical expert group for FCMs: New meeting summary

DG SANTE’s technical expert group for FCMs discusses migration testing guidelines, 7th amendment to plastic FCM regulation, and EFSA opinion on safety assessment of FCMs

French retailers restrict mineral oils in food

Six French retailers set limit values for MOSH and MOAH in their own-brand food products

Mineral oils in chocolate Santas

Foodwatch study finds typical Christmas chocolates and sweets to contain mineral oil residues; demands recall of affected products

ILSI NA workshop on FCMs

Videos of presentations and panel discussions held at ILSI North America workshop on safety evaluation of FCMs in September 2016 are now available online