Recent study has revealed that over 3,600 chemicals used in food packaging or preparation have been found in human bodies, with around 100 of these chemicals posing significant health concerns. The research, led by Birgit Geueke of the Food Packaging Forum Foundation, highlights that some of these chemicals are well-known and have been linked to health issues, such as PFAS “forever chemicals” and bisphenol A.
The study found these chemicals in biomonitoring databases, which track substances in human samples. Although researchers had catalogued about 14,000 food contact chemicals (FCCs), they were surprised to find 3,601, representing a quarter of all known FCCs. While some chemicals, like PFAS and bisphenol A, are already the target of bans, others, including oligomers and various phthalates, are less studied but are known to disrupt hormones and affect health.
Geueke emphasized that while the study couldn’t confirm the exact source of these chemicals, food packaging is a significant possibility. She recommended minimizing contact with food packaging and avoiding heating food in its packaging to reduce exposure.
The European Union is addressing these concerns by moving toward banning PFAS in food packaging and proposing a ban on bisphenol A by the end of this year.
The findings, published in the *Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology*, aim to raise awareness about the environmental and health impacts of food packaging chemicals.
