On Friday 18th December 2020, the European Commission finally kicked off a revision of EU laws on chemicals in food contact materials (FCM), with the publication of an Inception Impact Assessment (IIA) for consultation. Almost everything we eat has been in contact with one or more FCMs, including food packaging, factory equipment and kitchen utensils; since 2014 CHEM Trust has … [Read more...] about European Commission takes first step towards toxic-free food packaging
DG Santé
New EU chemicals strategy promises a more protective approach to regulating chemicals in food contact materials
On 14th October the European Commission published a new Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) as part of the delivery of the EU’s zero pollution ambition in the European Green Deal. The strategy announces a range of actions that will better protect health and the environment from harmful chemicals, including plans to ban some of the most harmful chemicals in consumer … [Read more...] about New EU chemicals strategy promises a more protective approach to regulating chemicals in food contact materials
EU Commission announces revision of law on chemicals in Food Contact Materials
On Wednesday, the 20th May the European Commission published its new Farm to Fork Strategy which includes a clear acknowledgment of the need for EU laws on chemicals in food contact materials, like packaging, to be revised to improve the protection of public health, stating: ""Food packaging plays a key role in the sustainability of food systems. The Commission will revise the … [Read more...] about EU Commission announces revision of law on chemicals in Food Contact Materials
Scientists’ Consensus Statement on chemicals in food packaging provides food for thought for legislators
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
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