3,601 food packaging chemicals identified in humans

Urine, blood and breast milk have been found to contain toxic substances commonly associated with grocery retail.

In a new study by the Food Packaging Forum, and partner institutions, 14,000 food contact chemicals [FCCs] were analysed alongside data from give human biomonitoring programmes, three metabolome and exposome data bases, and agreed scientific literature. 

From this investigation, 3,601 FCCs were found to be present in humans, around a quarter of all known forms of these substances. Some forms, such as bisphenols, PFAS, phthalates, metals, and volatile organic compounds, have been widely detected in human samples. 

‘This work highlights the fact that food contact materials are not fully safe, even though they may comply with regulations, because they transfer known hazardous chemicals into people. We would like this new evidence base to be used for improving the safety of food contact materials – both in terms of regulations but also in the development of safer alternatives,’ said Dr. Jane Muncke, senior author, expresses concern over this widespread exposure.

‘Our study highlights that antioxidants, despite their high production volumes and widespread use in plastics, are largely absent from monitoring programs. The knowledge about metabolism, fate, and effects of these substances is generally scarce,’ added Dr Ksenia Groh, of the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science & Technology.

All data has now been made available through an online tool, the FCChumon database, which will develop as more research is done in this field. Concern is mounting over the presence of non-biological materials in humans and animals, and possible links to cancers and other health conditions, particularly in younger people. Last week, Environment Journal reported on microplastics being found in brain cells, potentially as a a result of being inhaled. 

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Image: Kai Dahms