Hungarian 
Bisphenol A
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) regularly reviews the safety of chemicals like BPA that can migrate into food and drinks from their containers.
Food contact materials
In the process of identifying emerging risks, we are constantly confronted with news stories that deal with food contact materials and their potential risks. Below is a summary of these news items.
Sustainable packaging in the food chain
Recently, there have been a number of news items related to sustainable packaging. Here we shortly present some of them.
EFSA has reduced the upper safe limit of vitamin B6 and selenium
EFSA reduced the upper intake limit value (UL) of vitamin B6 from 25 mg to 12 mg per day and the UL for selenium from 300 µg to 255 µg per day. The finalization of the draft evaluation for vitamin B6, in relation to which a public consultation has already been concluded, is expected in the coming months.
Novel Rustrela virus behind the mystery of fatal ‘staggering disease’ of domestic cats
According to an article published in February 2023, the cause of the fatal "staggering disease" has probably been found. ‘Staggering disease’ is a neurological disease entity considered a threat to European domestic cats (Felis catus) for almost five decades. However, its aetiology has remained obscure.
Ultra-processed foods may increse cancer risk
New scientific evidences support that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) may increse cancer risk. Researcher found that a 10% increase in consumption of ultra-processed food was linked to a 2% increase in being diagnosed with cancer and a 6% increase in dying from cancer.
Plant-based and vegan infant formula
Plant-based diets are not only common among adults, the trend is also gaining popularity in the feeding of children and babies. The infant nutrition category is among the most strictly regulated product area, since infants are the most vulnerable group of society and the resctricted variety of their diet makes them more exposed to any contaminants in their food.
Food safety risks posed by the consumption of sea cucumbers
Sea cucumbers are an important food item in Asian and Pacific cuisines, with China being the largest consumer. Consumption of sea cucumbers is expanding in Asia, due to a large and growing population, urbanization, increase in income. In addition, the expansion of international trade has been growing as well.
University students convert grass to edible starch
Students from Kabarak University in Kenya have developed a way to convert grass into starch flour. The team believes their innovative idea could help alleviate hunger around the world.
Potentially deadly human and horse diseases being spread by donkey skin trade
Over 4.8 million donkeys are traded and slaughtered each year for their skins, which are used in the production of ejiao, a traditional Chinese remedy with supposed medicinal properties.