EU regulation of chemicals in food contact (FCM) applications, such as packaging, pipes or cooking equipment, is a strange world about which many readers focusing on REACH, RoHS or BPR may have little knowledge. I first noticed these laws after starting as Executive Director of CHEM Trust in 2014 and was amazed to discover the EU had built a system to create a positive list … [Read more...] about Is the EU finally set to update its outdated laws on chemicals in food contact materials?
European Commission launches “European Green Deal”, stepping up action on chemicals
The European Commission President Ursula van der Leyen today launched a "European Green Deal", which includes a plan to produce a new "Chemicals strategy for sustainability" by June 2020. The Green Deal states that this strategy will include action on a number of CHEM Trust's priorities, including Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals, combination (mixture) effects and very persistent … [Read more...] about European Commission launches “European Green Deal”, stepping up action on chemicals
Regulating chemicals: is putting a price on health impacts unrealistic and misleading?
If a chemical threatens health or the environment, shouldn't it just be replaced by safer alternatives? Or should regulators try to calculate a 'cost' for this harm to health or the environment (e.g. the cost of someone getting breast cancer), and then compare this with any costs involved in replacing the chemical? You may think it strange, but this is what often really happens … [Read more...] about Regulating chemicals: is putting a price on health impacts unrealistic and misleading?
All stakeholders call for new EU laws on chemicals in food packaging, yet new Commission President proposes “one in one out” rule
On Monday 9th September the European Commission held a major stakeholder meeting to discuss the EU's laws regulating chemicals in food contact materials (FCM) such as packaging and pipes. The meeting discussed the initial findings from a review that consultants Ecorys are carrying out for the Commission. One clear message that came out of the event, from all stakeholders, … [Read more...] about All stakeholders call for new EU laws on chemicals in food packaging, yet new Commission President proposes “one in one out” rule
UK MPs back CHEM Trust’s priorities in new report on Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Life
Today, the UK Parliament's Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) published a new report on 'Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Life' following its inquiry into the subject. The EAC declare that "current regulation does not account for the cocktail of chemicals we are exposed to", and that hazardous chemicals are now "ubiquitous in humans and the environment". The committee makes a wide … [Read more...] about UK MPs back CHEM Trust’s priorities in new report on Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Life
UK Government U-turns on deletion of ban on hormone disrupting pesticides, claims it was a ‘drafting error’
Following a legal letter from Leigh Day on behalf of CHEM Trust, the UK Government have announced today that they will re-instate a ban on pesticides with endocrine (hormone) disrupting properties in their no-deal Brexit laws. The Government are claiming this is a drafting error, yet this European ban on endocrine disrupting pesticides has been a major focus of lobbying from … [Read more...] about UK Government U-turns on deletion of ban on hormone disrupting pesticides, claims it was a ‘drafting error’
New EU consultation on effectiveness of rules for chemicals in food contact materials
On Monday 11th February 2019 the EU finally launched a public consultation into the EU's ineffective laws covering the use of chemicals in food contact materials such as packaging, pipes and kitchen utensils. As we have highlighted in the past, the current laws do not properly protect public health, as many materials – like paper, card, inks and glues – are not controlled by … [Read more...] about New EU consultation on effectiveness of rules for chemicals in food contact materials
Use of endocrine disrupting chemical BPS in thermal paper is increasing, but where’s the action?
On March 27th CHEM Trust published the "Toxic Soup" report, which examined how industry is being allowed to replace the well-known hormone disrupting chemical bisphenol A (BPA), with very similar chemicals that may also be harmful, for example bisphenol S (BPS). The day before we had sent letters to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), the European Food Safety Authority … [Read more...] about Use of endocrine disrupting chemical BPS in thermal paper is increasing, but where’s the action?
UK confirms it would like to remain in EU chemicals law REACH, but will it meet the EU’s conditions?
In a speech on Friday March 2nd the UK Prime Minister Theresa May stated that the UK wished to discuss the possibility of remaining part of the EU chemicals agency ECHA after Brexit. CHEM Trust welcomes this announcement, but it is important to realise that the other EU governments (the EU27) will inevitably set specific conditions for such participation, and that the risk … [Read more...] about UK confirms it would like to remain in EU chemicals law REACH, but will it meet the EU’s conditions?
The secretive (and ineffective) world of EU rules controlling chemicals used in food packaging (updated)
CHEM Trust has been highlighting the severe deficiencies in the EU's regulation of chemicals in food contact materials, where the laws have big gaps (e.g. paper and card food packaging), and allow continued use of hazardous chemicals. However, we are not just concerned with the deficiencies in the regulations, but also with the secrecy with which the European Commission works … [Read more...] about The secretive (and ineffective) world of EU rules controlling chemicals used in food packaging (updated)