Ceramic products, as traditional materials for food contact, are ubiquitous in the daily lives of people worldwide. Items such as bowls, cups, soup pots, tea sets, knives, ladles, plates, and dishes are commonly made of ceramic materials. Ceramics are generally perceived by the public as safe, non-toxic, and healthy materials for daily life. They come in diverse shapes, with smooth and delicate surfaces, vibrant colors, and are easy to clean, making them highly favored by many. However, ceramic products still pose safety risks, primarily stemming from the glazing process. Glazes often contain sodium silicate and metal salts, and coloring pigments may also include metal salts, leading to the potential leaching of heavy metals. Therefore, countries worldwide have established clear regulatory requirements for ceramic products.

Dechlorane Plus (DP) is an additive flame retardant widely used in polymer materials such as plastics and fibers due to its excellent colorability, thermal stability, outstanding electrical properties, and low smoke emission. However, as significant risks of exposure to humans and the environment associated with DP have been confirmed, various regions globally have initiated actions to control this substance. Many export-oriented electronic product companies have already started supply chain investigations regarding this substance.

Last month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released enforcement actions taken nationwide in 2023 to protect children and their families from health hazards associated with exposure to lead paint. Cases included an Indiana contractor sentenced to jail for violating lead paint regulations and a renovation company in Anchorage, Alaska fined $25,609. EPA's enforcement actions aim to ensure that remodeling contractors, landlords, property management companies, and real estate agents comply with rules safeguarding the public from lead exposure in paint.

Recently, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment, and Water Resources (DCCEEW) in Australia proposed to include several brominated flame retardant chemicals in the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standards (IChEMS) register. Substances that may cause serious or irreversible harm to the environment but have essential industrial uses are proposed to be included in Appendix 6 of IChEMS while substances causing serious or irreversible harm to the environment and without essential industrial uses are included in Appendix 7 of IChEMS.

On November 3, 2023, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union issued final opinion on Fullerenes, Hydroxylated Fullerenes and hydrated forms of Hydroxylated Fullerenes (nano). The preliminary opinion was released on April 24, 2023. 1. In view of the above, and taking into account the scientific data provided, does the SCCS consider Fullerenes, Hydroxylated Fullerenes and hydrated forms of Hydroxylated Fullerenes safe when used in cosmetic products according to the maximum concentrations and specifications as reported via CPNP, taking into account reasonably foreseeable exposure conditions? 2. Based on the currently available scientific literature and SCCS’ expert judgement, the SCCS is requested to assess any further scientific concerns with regard to the use of Fullerenes, Hydroxylated Fullerenes and hydrated forms of Hydroxylated Fullerenes in cosmetic products and whether a potential risk to human health can be identified according to Article 16(6) Reg.1223/2009.

In accordance with the Food Safety Law and its implementation regulations, the Food Safety National Standard Review Committee has organized the drafting of 11 new food safety national standards and amendments for public consultation. These standards encompass various aspects of food safety, including two food contact product standards: "General Safety Requirements for Food Contact Materials and Products" and "Food Contact Silicone Rubber Materials and Products."

On September 28, 2023, U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an important new rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), requiring manufacturers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to provide more data for better regulation. PFASs are a large class of chemically stable organic fluorides known for their water and stain resistance, as well as good insulation. They find extensive use in various industrial sectors, including food packaging, electronics, leather and apparel, construction and household applications, firefighting, and medical supplies. However, PFASs are persistent and migrate in the environment, making them difficult to degrade. They are also called persistent chemicals and have posed a significant threat to human health and the ecological environment.

On October 13, 2023, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) released the toy safety standard ASTM F963-23. Currently, the federal regulation 16 CFR 1250 still adopts ASTM F963-17.

The 19th meeting of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC-19) was held from October 9 to 13, 2023, at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Rome, Italy. During this meeting, scientists unanimously recommended that the following two groups of chemicals be considered hazardous and proposed their inclusion in Annex A of the Stockholm Convention: 1. Chlorinated paraffins with a carbon chain length in the range of C14-17 and a chlorine content equal to or greater than 45% (by weight), commonly known as medium-chain chlorinated paraffins or MCCPs. 2. Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), their salts, and related compounds.

To regulate the administration of toothpaste products and safeguard the health of consumers, China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) published a notice on fully implementing the requirements of toothpaste administration regulation and simplifying the documents requirements for toothpaste that has already been placed on the market.