Environmental initiatives address medical waste and food safety contaminants

In Paraná, Argentina, a new initiative called ‘Ecoinsulina’ has been launched to address the environmental impact of insulin delivery devices. Dr. Fabián Tedesco, head of Endocrinology at Hospital San Martín, collaborated with the Municipality of Paraná’s Environment and Health departments to establish collection points for used insulin pens. Since 85% to 90% of these pens are made of recyclable plastic, the program aims to divert them from general waste into recycling circuits.

Separately, the European Union is expanding its surveillance of food safety contaminants. While regulatory focus previously centered on phytosanitary residues, authorities are now monitoring emerging substances such as mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOSH-MOAH), chlorinated paraffins, PFAS, and plasticizers. This shift is particularly relevant for products like olive oil, where lipophilic contaminants can concentrate during cultivation, processing, or packaging.