Food packaging chemicals could put human health at risk

Food packaging may be a significant source of exposure to potentially toxic chemicals.

In a study published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, investigators analyzed a set of more than 14,400 known food contact chemicals. They systematically mapped data from biomonitoring programs, metabolome/exosome databases and scientific literature to explore the presence of food contact chemicals used in food packaging and other food contact materials in human samples.

The investigators discovered that about 3,600 of the chemicals were detected in human samples — including urine, serum, blood, plasma, breast milk, umbilical cord and placenta samples. The chemicals consisted of certain volatile organic compounds, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, pesticides, metals, dioxin-like compounds, flame retardants, phthalates and alternatives and Category 1A and 1B carcinogens such as styrene, benzophenone, formaldehyde and cadmium.

The investigators stressed that their results highlighted significant gaps in biomonitoring data for a large proportion of food contact chemicals. They hope their findings can lead to the prioritization of food contact chemicals of concern and help identify opportunities to improve public health.

Read more: Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology

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