Fatal bloodstream illnesses driven by urinary tract infections could rise, warn scientists as research shows link to food-borne bacteria Date: Mar 23, 2023 Source: The Guardian Author: Sophie Kevany Excerpt: The Flagstaff study showed that 8% of the UTIs were caused by E coli from local meat samples. That, said Price, translates into a [...]
An investigation by Consumer Reports found toxic PFAS chemicals in packaging used by multiple fast food brands. McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Burger King, and Sweetgreen were included in the report. Date: Mar 24, 2022 Source: insider.com Author: Andrea Michelson Excerpt: "Fast food wrappers and containers from eight different restaurant chains were found to contain PFAS, or [...]
For a half-century, grease-resistant coating has been applied to food packaging. The Food and Drug Administration is looking into how much of the ubiquitous family of chemicals known as PFAS ends up in people’s food. Date: March 7, 2022 Source: E&E News / Greenwire Author: E.A. Crunden, Ariel Wittenberg Excerpt: "While much of the [...]
Research by sustainability charity Wrap debunks idea single-use plastic on fruit and veg helps prevent waste Date: February 24, 2022 Source: The Guardian Author: Zoe Wood Excerpt: "Supermarkets should stop selling fresh produce such as apples and potatoes in plastic packaging, research suggests, because it does not make them last longer and adds to [...]
Common agricultural insecticide being banned, alternatives emerging. A widely used, highly-regulated insecticide - Aluminum Phosphide - has a long history of accidental deaths. Aluminum phosphide is a stable substance, but when exposed to moisture it breaks down and releases a toxic gas called phosphine, which allows it to be used as a strong fumigant. [...]
Natural biopolymer-based antimicrobial films to reduce traditional packaging waste. Date: December 25, 2021 Source: Carbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications (via ScienceDirect) Author: Rekha Chawla, S. Sivakumar, Harsimran Kaur Excerpt: "The inclusion of antimicrobial agents into the biopolymer-based edible films has been a significant advancement in active food packaging technology. It is exceptionally efficient in [...]
Herein, we reviewed the potential of bio-based food packaging materials as an alternative to petro- materials. Effective deployment of suitable packaging material is a growing concern. The broader applied spectrum of polymeric materials is discussed with suitable examples. Date: November 2020 Source: Science Direct (Abstract and link to purchase PDF) Author: Muhammad Asghera, Sarmad [...]
A new law banning plastic packaging on most fruit and vegetables comes into effect in France from New Year's day. Date: Published December 31, 2021 Source: BBC News Website Excerpt: "More than a third of fruit and vegetable products in France are thought to be sold in plastic wrapping, and government officials believe that the [...]
More brands are opting for paper-based packaging these days because of its eco halo. But they might not fully understand the environmental, performance, and cost tradeoffs of the material’s barrier coating. Date: Jun 07, 2021 Source: Packaging Digest Author: Lisa McTigue Pierce Excerpt: "The key to providing more sustainable paper-based packaging solutions is the [...]