Computational method outperforms animal tests

Predictions of acute health hazards by ‘data fusion’ read-across structure activity relationship (RASAR) modeling reported to be more reproducible than animal testing data

EFSA evaluates Gneuss recycling for PET

EFSA’s CEF Panel considers PET made from Gneuss recycling processes safe for use in food contact articles intended ‘for long-term storage at room temperature with all types of food stuffs’; trays made of this recycled PET not to be used in microwave or conventional oven

Call for reducing MOH in foods

Scientist reviews existing toxicological assessments of mineral oil hydrocarbons in foods, calls for lowering acceptable intake levels and phasing out use in food and food contact applications

Prioritization of NIAS for risk assessment

Scientists propose strategy to prioritize non-intentionally added substances detected by non-targeted screening in paperboard FCMs for risk assessment based on exposure estimates and in silico predictions of toxicity

EFSA guidance on nanotechnology published

EFSA releases guidance on risk assessment of nanotechnology applications in food and feed; pilot phase launched; finalization of guidance by end of 2019

EFSA and JRC continue to collaborate

EFSA and EU Joint Research Centre reinforce cooperation in food and feed safety areas, including food contact materials

CEF Panel: 75th plenary meeting

EFSA’s CEF Panel discusses PET recycling processes, new mandate for evaluating food contact chemical, safety assessment of phthalates and BPA in FCMs at 75th plenary meeting, held June 5-7, 2018

EFSA: Public consultation on assessing chemical mixtures

EFSA releases draft guidance documents on risk and genotoxicity assessment of chemical mixtures; public consultations open until September 15 and September 9, 2018

EFSA working group on phthalates: 4th meeting

EFSA’s CEF Panel working group on phthalates reassesses safety of DBP, BBP and DEHP for food contact plastics; updated meeting minutes now available online

NIAS in polypropylene films

Scientists study migration from food packaging films made of polypropylene; 74 compounds identified, 76% of them NIAS; 35% of samples show migration exceeding either SML or Cramer class-based recommendations