Study reveals harmful chemicals from food packaging present in humans

Study reveals harmful chemicals from food packaging present in humans

Sustainability

Evidence for widespread human exposure to food contact chemicals

Newly published research has shed light on the extent to which harmful chemicals, commonly used in food packaging, are migrating into the food we eat and showing up in human bodies. The study identified over 1,800 food contact chemicals (FCCs) known to leach from materials used to store, process, and package food. Many of these chemicals are of significant concern due to their hazardous properties, while many others have not been tested for toxicity.

The research systematically mapped evidence from five biomonitoring programmes and three metabolome/exposome databases, revealing that 25% of the known FCCs have been detected in human biomonitoring studies. This includes 194 chemicals, of which 80 are flagged as having properties of high concern. Alarmingly, 59 of the detected FCCs have not been studied for their toxicity, raising urgent questions about the safety of current food packaging materials.

This research highlights a critical gap in understanding the human impact of chemicals used in everyday food packaging.

The findings are expected to help policymakers, public health officials, and the food industry take more informed steps towards reducing exposure to hazardous chemicals through safer food contact materials.

Grocery store © Joanna Malinowska / Freestocks.org

For those interested in exploring the data, the results are available through an interactive dashboard, enabling experts to delve deeper into the findings and work towards minimising public exposure to these potentially harmful chemicals.

Key Findings:

  • 1,800+ food contact chemicals identified as leaching from food packaging.
  • 25% of these chemicals detected in human bodies, with many posing serious health risks.
  • Interactive dashboard created to support policymakers and health advocates in improving food safety.

This research offers a significant step toward safer packaging practices and highlights an opportunity for public health improvements on a global scale.

Latest Packaging News

Michelob Ultra unveils FIFA Club World Cup 2025 limited-edition packaging
Events

Michelob Ultra unveils FIFA Club World Cup 2025 limited-edition packaging

Michelob Ultra has announced the launch of limited-edition packaging to celebrate its role as the...
Jenton Group: How heat sealers work (with insights into Soken Engineering’s machines)
Supplier News

Jenton Group: How heat sealers work (with insights into Soken Engineering’s machines)

A recent blog post from Soken Engineering, part of the Jenton Group, explains how heat sealers work...
Why routine testing of metal detectors is essential for food safety
Technology

Why routine testing of metal detectors is essential for food safety

By Rob Stevens, Market Manager, Mettler-Toledo Safeline Metal Detection Metal detection is a...
UK town council introduces blister pack recycling initiative
Sustainability

UK town council introduces blister pack recycling initiative

Residents in Nailsea now have access to a new recycling option for empty medicine blister packs,...
Oreo maker sues Aldi over 'copycat' packaging claims
Business

Oreo maker sues Aldi over 'copycat' packaging claims

Mondelez International, the global snack manufacturer behind Oreo, has filed a lawsuit against...