Listing BPA as a reproductive hazard would require warning signs on packaging, but only at high levels
January 24, 2013
European Parliament sends clear message to European Commission to act on EDCs
ENVI Committee of the European Parliament adopts DRAFT report on endocrine disruptors
January 14, 2013
Regulation of chemicals used in food packaging: an understandable and concise overview
The frameworks regulating food packaging differ amongst countries and are very complex: the FPF gives an overview
December 20, 2012
EU Commission announces annual activities for food contact materials in 2013
Plans include an impact assessment for food contact materials not explicitly regulated on EU level, new migration testing guidelines, an assessment of surface biocide regulation for food contact material use and preparations of a first positive list for active and intelligent materials and as well as of further authorizations of plastic recycling processes. Ongoing efforts are addressing the revision of the ceramics directive.
December 13, 2012
French BPA ban in food contact materials not approved of by industry
PlasticsEurope rejects new French bill banning BPA in direct food contact applications, starting January 2015. The bill is in conflict with existing European law and forces the EU Commission to act by either introducing the same measures in all of Europe, or taking legal action against France. A new scientific opinion by EFSA on BPA is expected in May 2013.
November 9, 2012
U.S.: Discordance on self-affirmed GRAS substances
Lack of information for self-affirmed GRAS (generally recognized as safe) substances has been highlighted by scientists of the public interest group PEW Charitable Trust in the US. Now the industry reacts by making available a database with manufacturers self-determined GRAS substances, used in food contact materials and/or food. Critics maintain that this effort is insufficient, and that a proper safety assessment needs to be carried out by the regulator instead.
October 9, 2012
French proposal for Bisphenol A ban enters another round
The French senate adopted a legal proposition which would ban Bisphenol A in food packaging designated for children under three years of age. All other packaging intended to come into contact with food would have to state that this product is not suitable for pregnant women and children under three. The amendments made by the senate require now adoption by the French National Assembly.
September 24, 2012
Belgium bans Bisphenol A for young children
Belgium adopted a ban of Bisphenol A in all food contact materials of products aimed at children under three.
August 30, 2012
Denmark plans to ban four phthalates
Denmark’s Ministry of the Environment has decided to move forward with a ban of the four phthalates DEH, DBP, DIBP and BBP
August 25, 2012
NY Times on EDCs
Op-ed in NY Times calls for more regulation of EDCs, discusses new research on epigenetic transgenerational effects of BPA.
