Exactly 6 years ago, on 20th May 2020 the European Commission acknowledged the need to revise the EU’s legislation on food contact materials (FCMs) as part of the Farm to Fork Strategy. But several years on, no legal proposal has been published, which means that harmful chemicals can continue to be used in FCMs, migrating from them into our foods, and landing on our … [Read more...] about 6 years since Farm to Fork – harmful chemicals are still on our plates!
FCM
Non-harmonised FCM laws – a reason for concern
A new CHEM Trust briefing, Non-harmonised FCM laws – a reason for concern, highlights the chaotic situation of legislation on food contact materials (FCMs) in the EU. Harmonised legislation, including restrictions on harmful substances, exists for four types of materials at the EU level; active and intelligent materials, plastics (incl. recycled plastics), cellulose film and … [Read more...] about Non-harmonised FCM laws – a reason for concern
The ban on bisphenols in food contact materials is a great win for human health
Update: On 19th December, the regulation restricting the use of bisphenol A (BPA) and other hazardous bisphenols in food contact materials was adopted by the European Commission. Read more here. Antonia Reihlen from CHEM Trust said: “The ban on BPA and other hazardous bisphenols in food contact materials is a great step forward in the protection of people’s health. But it … [Read more...] about The ban on bisphenols in food contact materials is a great win for human health
New study identifies hundreds of harmful chemicals used in food contact materials
A new peer-reviewed study published by the Food Packaging Forum and others has found that food contact materials could contain up to 388 harmful chemicals, which should be phased out urgently. The study, published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, identifies 388 Food Contact Chemicals of Concern (FCCoC) that could be used in food contact materials. Of these 388: … [Read more...] about New study identifies hundreds of harmful chemicals used in food contact materials
European Parliament resolution calls for a rapid reform of FCM laws
In October 2021, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the Farm to Fork Strategy, supporting targets and measures to reduce pollution along the value chain including EU Food Contact Materials (FCM). Parliament called on the European Commission to bring forward the date of the publication of their proposal for a new regulatory framework. Action on the most … [Read more...] about European Parliament resolution calls for a rapid reform of FCM laws
PFAS and food packaging – FAQ
A 2021 study found that PFAS chemicals are being used in disposable food packaging from popular fast-food chains, takeaway restaurants, and supermarkets across Europe, including in the UK. Disposable food packaging and tableware made of paper, board, and moulded plant fibre – such as fast-food bags, bakery bags, and pizza boxes – were purchased in six European countries (the … [Read more...] about PFAS and food packaging – FAQ
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
Is the EU finally set to update its outdated laws on chemicals in food contact materials?
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?
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
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
