Expected to take effect by the end of 2027 after stakeholder consultations, the regulation, modeled after the EU’s Single-Use Plastics directive, would prohibit items like plastic cutlery, plates, and straws. Future phases would enforce further requirements for other articles.
The Achyut Adhikari Research Group is conducting several projects focused on preventive, FSMA-aligned strategies to reduce microbiological risks during pre-harvest and processing of produce, including hydroponic production, manure fertilizer treatment, food-contact surface sanitation, and antimicrobial packaging development.
What the EU PPWR Means for Analytical Labs, and How to Build Defensible Data
March 11, 2026
As the EU moves to meet goals set for climate neutrality and achieve a circular economy, EU Regulation 2025/40 dictates rules and procedures to reduce packaging waste, without causing adverse risk to the consumer.
In his remarks on a recent Joe Rogan Experience podcast episode, Secretary Kennedy also suggested FDA is considering a new approach to front-of-pack nutrition labeling.
Researchers found that the presence of nanoplastic particles can increase the expression of virulence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes in Salmonella,and can also encourage biofilm formation.
Unlike plastic, the mycelium- and cellulose-based material is biodegradable and free of chemicals of concern. It is likely safe for humans and the environment in the long term, as demonstrated by humanity’s history of consuming fungi.
Following Codex recommendations for risk-based allergen Precautionary Allergen Labeling (PAL) and thresholds, the European Commission has posted a forthcoming draft act to its public feedback portal on harmonized requirements for the use of voluntary PAL statements.
In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak to food science and packaging expert Dr. Claire Sand about the regulatory, sustainability, and technical considerations for food companies regarding chemicals of concern in packaging, and what the future of food packaging might look like.
CalRecycle has issued a final draft of the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54), which establishes an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program to manage packaging and single-use plastic. Western Growers shared concerns about the produce industry’s ability to qualify for categorical exclusion.