Scientists from the Food Packaging Forum Foundation propose a novel approach to better protect consumer health by grouping chemicals in food packaging and prioritizing them for regulatory review or phase-out. The approach can help policymakers and manufacturers overcome data gaps and prevent regrettable substitutions.
A coalition of independent scientists is supporting a global plastics treaty to protect human health and the environment from plastic pollution. The scientists' coalition emphasizes the need for essential use, transparency, safety and sustainability criteria for plastics.
A new research article analyzes 103 scientific studies on microplastics and nanoplastics from food packaging, revealing that normal use of FCAs is a source of MNPs in food. The study highlights the need for harmonized testing and reporting framework to inform policy decisions.
A new study highlights the presence of synthetic chemicals in food packaging and processing, increasing health risks from ultra-processed foods. The research emphasizes the need for safer food systems, better testing methods, and policy reforms to address this growing public health issue.
The Understanding Packaging (UP) Scorecard tool compares the environmental and human health impacts of foodware and packaging. It provides an aggregate score across six key metrics, including plastic pollution and climate impact.
Recent studies have identified over 1,000 new chemicals in food contact materials, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and phthalates. The updated FCCmigex database now includes 5,294 chemicals from 1,500 scientific studies.
A new open-access database, LitChemPlast, has compiled over 3,500 substances measured in plastic products across 47,000 samples. The study highlights substantial knowledge gaps, including contamination of recycled plastics with hazardous substances and limited regional coverage in low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers have identified nearly 200 potential breast carcinogens in food contact materials, including plastics and paper, highlighting widespread exposure despite existing regulation. The findings emphasize the need for stronger preventative measures to reduce these chemicals in everyday products.
A new review has found that 3,601 food contact chemicals have been detected in human bodies, representing 25% of known chemicals. The study highlights significant gaps in biomonitoring and toxicity data, and emphasizes the need for safer alternatives.