EC’s meeting with European FCM industry

EU Commission presents ongoing work in FCM field to professional associations; amendments to recycling plastics regulation and specific measure on ‘glymo’ in preparation; authorization of recycling processes expected by Q3 2020; final publication of updated EFSA opinion on phthalates in FCMs expected soon

Biomonitoring of environmental chemicals, plastics

New French biomonitoring study measures levels of bisphenols, phthalates, PFAS in adults and children; German biomonitoring study finds plastic byproducts in 97% of children’s urine samples

Kraft-Heinz called to address phthalates

Petition organized by coalition calls on food manufacturer to remove sources of phthalates in its products; organizers blocked from delivering signatures and call on public and governments to act

Replacing phthalates in plastic packaging

Swedish non-governmental organization ChemSec publishes practical advice to business operators on why and how to replace phthalates, discusses alternatives, regrettable substitutions, and policy options

EFSA phthalates working group: 13th meeting

EFSA’s CEP Panel’s working group on phthalates continues working to revise draft opinion on DBP, BBP, DEHP, DINP, DIDP

Public events on safer products bill and toxicology roadmap

U.S. State of Washington to host webinar on August 29, 2019 explaining new Safer Products for Washington bill and planned implementation; U.S. FDA to hold public workshop on September 18, 2019 providing update on development of Predictive Toxicology Roadmap

EFSA phthalates working group: 12th meeting

EFSA’s CEP Panel working group on phthalates continues working to revise draft opinion of DBP, BBP, DEHP, DINP, DIDP

U.S. EPA considers phthalate risk evaluations

Agency requested by industry to conduct risk evaluations on DINP and DIDP; NGOs criticize request as attempt to block state action; public comment on the matter open until October 3, 2019

Phthalates in vinyl gloves

Study by NGO Ecology Center finds ortho-phthalates in vinyl gloves used to handle food, urges use of alternatives such as washed bare hands, polyethylene or nitrile gloves

EU identifies four phthalates as endocrine disrupting

European Chemicals Agency identifies phthalates DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP as having endocrine disrupting properties; these substances already placed on Authorization List for being toxic to reproduction