On March 3rd a group of 33 scientists from around the world published a peer reviewed Consensus Statement expressing deep concern about the current use of harmful chemicals in food packaging and other Food Contact Materials (FCM). The scientists cover several fields of expertise, including developmental biology, endocrinology, epidemiology, toxicology, and environmental and … [Read more...] about Scientists’ Consensus Statement on chemicals in food packaging provides food for thought for legislators
DG Santé
EU Health Commissioner confirms stakeholder concerns with food contact laws
Last week, CHEM Trust received a reply from the European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides, in response to a letter that we sent a few days after the new EU Commission started its five-year term in December 2019. Her letter gives a clear indication that the Commission is aware of the need for improvements to the EU's laws regulating the use of … [Read more...] about EU Health Commissioner confirms stakeholder concerns with food contact laws
We write to the new EU Health Commissioner urging action on chemicals in food contact materials
On 1st December a new European Commission started its five year term, and during their first week in office, CHEM Trust sent a letter to the new EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides, reminding her of the urgent need for reform of EU laws on chemicals in food contact materials. Our letter set out the multiple concerns that CHEM Trust has regarding the … [Read more...] about We write to the new EU Health Commissioner urging action on chemicals in food contact materials
A workshop looking at gaps between the EU laws on chemicals in food contact materials and REACH
On April 29th, 2019, CHEM Trust organised a workshop to discuss gaps, overlaps and possible synergies between the EU's main chemicals law REACH and the EU's laws on chemicals in food contact materials (FCM). The workshop aimed to give government and EU regulatory experts on REACH and FCM an opportunity to discuss, and develop new insights into, what role REACH could have in … [Read more...] about A workshop looking at gaps between the EU laws on chemicals in food contact materials and REACH
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
Five key principles for future EU regulation of chemicals in food contact materials
CHEM Trust has highlighted for nearly five years, that the current EU laws regulating the chemicals used in food contact materials (FCM) such as food packaging, cutlery, and factory equipment do not properly protect public health. Many materials, such as paper, card, inks and linings are not controlled by harmonised EU-level laws, and where harmonised laws exist, like e.g. for … [Read more...] about Five key principles for future EU regulation of chemicals in food contact materials
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
Finally, a review of Europe’s ineffective laws on chemicals in food contact materials has begun
For over four years CHEM Trust has been calling for the EU to review its ineffective laws regulating chemicals in chemicals in Food Contact Materials (FCM) like food packaging. On September 24th, the European Commission invited a wide range of stakeholders to a workshop in Brussels to (finally!) launch this review. As we have highlighted in the past, the current laws do not … [Read more...] about Finally, a review of Europe’s ineffective laws on chemicals in food contact materials has begun
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?
Will the EU finally start identifying endocrine disrupting biocides and pesticides or will exposure continue?
Last week another milestone was reached in Europe`s slow and ineffective process to protect our health and environment by reducing exposures to pesticides and biocides with harmful endocrine disrupting (ED) properties. On January 31st a public consultation on the draft guidance document for identifying endocrine disrupters closed. This guidance is important because describes … [Read more...] about Will the EU finally start identifying endocrine disrupting biocides and pesticides or will exposure continue?