Non-food legislation – August 2026
Hazardous substances – Rules and regulations in the EU
EU: The EP has published a briefing (173 kB) on PFAS entitled: ‘Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: Tackling 'forever' chemical pollution’.
ECHA reports that the EC intends to add 34 chemicals to the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Regulation. Under PIC, the EU has to provide export notifications to the national authorities. They contain information on where chemicals listed under PIC are exported to, for what uses, and give information on their hazardous properties. This includes how to safely store, transport, use and dispose of them.
Denmark: A report (6.26 MB) by DTI provides an overview of PFAS use and outlines practical steps to accelerate the transition to safer alternatives.
NL: According to a national study (in Dutch, 1.28 MB) by the RIVM, all tested breast milk samples contained PFAS. In 82% of the samples, the levels were below the risk limit.
Hazardous substances – Rules and regulations outside the EU
UK: SGS reports that 15 SVHCs have been added to the UK REACH Candidate List. SGS also reports that HSE has launched a consultation on the addition of 9 more SVHCs to the list.
US: California: DTSC has officially added microplastics to the Candidate Chemicals List.
EU safety features for medicinal products for human use
The EC has published updated Q&As on safety features for medicinal products for human use, including the unique identifier.
UK government launches crackdown on vapes targeting kids
The UK government and the devolved governments have launched a consultation containing proposals to reduce the appeal of vapes to young children, including white packaging with restrictions on text colour, imagery and branding, as well as standardised product information.
US Washington: Cannabis branding may appeal to youth despite regulations
Unlike cigarettes or alcohol, cannabis products often come packaged as colourful gummies, chocolates, candies and snacks that can look remarkably similar to items found in a grocery store. A recent Washington State University study suggests some of those products may also attract the attention of underage consumers. The teens and young adults surveyed frequently selected colourful logos, brand names, bold typography and images resembling familiar foods and snacks. Warning labels, ingredient lists and nutritional information attracted far less attention. The study (9.08 MB) is published in the International Journal of Drug Policy.
Exposure to micro- and nanoplastics
In a recent study (6.43 MB) published in Environment & Health, researchers from Shandong First Medical University investigated how microplastics are released from blood storage bags. The findings are significant according to the researchers, because they provide direct proof of the pollution and adverse effects of microplastics in blood storage systems.
FPF reports on research led by the University of Groningen on human exposure to airborne micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs). Based on epidemiological data, the researchers found associations between airborne MNPs, reduced lung function and a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms. The study (2.58 MB) is published in Environmental Research.
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