More than 3,600 chemicals used in food packaging or preparation are present in human bodies and some of these chemicals are hazardous, while little is known about others, said a new study.
Researchers from the Food Packaging Forum Foundation, led by Birgit Geueke, investigated chemicals used in food packaging. The study revealed that a significant number of these chemicals are found in human bodies. Approximately 100 of these chemicals are of “high concern” for human health.
CHEMICALS OF CONCERN
The study uncovered a total of 3,601 food contact chemicals (FCCs) in human samples. These chemicals are known to migrate from packaging materials into food. Among the chemicals identified, several are well-studied and known to be harmful.
- PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances): Often called “forever chemicals,” PFAS are persistent in the environment and have been linked to various health issues.
- Bisphenol A (BPA): This hormone-disrupting chemical is used in plastics and is banned from baby bottles in many countries.
- Phthalates: Known to disrupt hormones and linked to infertility.
Emerging Concerns
The study also highlighted oligomers, byproducts of plastic production, which have minimal research on their health effects. Geueke emphasized the need for further studies to understand the impact of these lesser-known chemicals.
CHEMICALS IN FOOD CONTACT MATERIALS
The research catalogued around 14,000 FCCs, which can migrate into food from various materials like plastic, paper, glass, and metal. These chemicals can also originate from other sources in the food production process, such as conveyor belts or kitchen utensils.
Unexpected Findings
The researchers expected to find a few hundred FCCs but were surprised to detect 3,601. This represents a quarter of all known FCCs. However, the study could not determine if these chemicals exclusively come from food packaging.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REDUCING EXPOSURE
Geueke advises reducing contact with food packaging and avoiding heating food in its packaging. This precaution helps minimize potential exposure to harmful chemicals.
Duane Mellor, an expert in evidence-based medicine, praised the thoroughness of the study but noted its limitations. He suggested demanding better data and reducing unnecessary exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
