FCM regulation in China: Importer challenges

Law firm Keller and Heckman points out differences in FCM regulation in the EU, U.S., and China

Four phthalates recognized as hormone disrupting for humans

EU REACH Committee classifies DEHP, DBP, BBP, and DIBP as substances of very high concern due to their endocrine disrupting effects in humans

“Should I worry about plastics?”

BBC2 report investigates chemical exposure from plastic food packaging and consults with leading toxicologists; likely no concern for average adults; reducing plastic use recommended

NGOs demand action on SVHCs

European and international NGOs ask EU REACH Committee to take action on siloxanes, phthalates and nanomaterials

DEHP disrupts insulin signaling

Scientists find that long-term oral exposure of adult rats to the phthalate DEHP disrupts insulin signaling pathways, resulting in the development of insulin resistance

EU human biomonitoring launched

European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU) launched on December 8, 2016, followed by stakeholder meeting; prioritized substances include plasticizers, bisphenols, PFASs, anilines

Male phthalate levels and embryo quality

New study finds inverse association between male urinary phthalate levels and embryo quality in couples undergoing assisted reproduction

Dutch politicians tested for BPA and phthalates

Health advocate Wemos measures BPA and phthalates in Dutch politicians’ urine and asks Dutch government to take action against EDCs

Unwanted chemicals in canned tuna

Danish consumer council finds BADGE in metal packaging of tuna as well as plasticizers in the metal closure of a tuna glass jar; none of the tested packaging products contained BPA, BPF, or BPS; all tuna fish contained heavy metals, some contained BADGE and one ATBC

Coop Denmark to remove many chemicals of concern

Retailer Coop Denmark phases out 12 substances or groups of chemicals of concern from its own-brand products by the end of 2017