Thousands of Toxins from Food Packaging Found in Human Bodies

Thousands of Toxins From Food Packaging Found in Human Bodies: A New Study Raises Concerns

A new peer-reviewed study has revealed the presence of over 3,600chemicals approved for use in food contact packaging, kitchenware, or food processing equipment in human bodies, highlighting a largely unregulated risk of toxic exposure.

The study, publishedin the journal Environmental Science & Technology, analyzed data from various sources, including blood, hair, and breast milk samples. The researchers identified a wide range ofchemicals, including known toxic compounds like perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), bisphenol A (BPA), metals, phthalates, and volatile organic compounds. Many of these chemicals have been linked to cancer, hormonal disruption, and otherserious health problems.

However, the study also found a significant number of chemicals with limited publicly available toxicological data, such as synthetic antioxidants used as preservatives and oligomers used to stabilize packaging inks. The authors of the study emphasize the need forfurther scrutiny of food contact chemicals, highlighting the knowledge gaps surrounding these substances.

The study, co-authored by the Food Packaging Forum, a non-profit organization based in Zurich advocating for stronger regulations, identified approximately 14,000 chemicals approved for food contact and examined databases and scientific literature to findevidence of their accumulation in human bodies. While many of these chemicals are also encountered through other pathways, the study does not imply that food packaging is the sole culprit.

Plastics, which are largely unregulated and can contain thousands of chemicals, are among the most concerning materials. Coatings on silicone and metal cans may also contain toxic orunderstudied compounds. Many paper and cardboard products, until recently, were treated with PFAS, potentially containing a layer of plastic.

Several factors can lead to chemicals leaching into food at higher rates, including higher temperatures, fat content, and acidity. The ratio of packaging to product is also crucial – food in smaller containersmay be more severely contaminated.

In the United States, many chemicals are approved under the Food and Drug Administration’s generally recognized as safe (GRAS) rule, which involves limited review. U.S. law also does not require the FDA to consider new scientific evidence after a chemical is approved for food contact.

This has been the case with chemicals like PFOS and titanium dioxide, which were removed from the market or further investigated decades after they were introduced. While the European Union has implemented stricter regulations for certain chemicals, such as PFOS, there is still a lot of work to be done, according to the authorsof the study.

The findings of this study raise serious concerns about the potential health risks associated with food contact materials. It emphasizes the need for greater transparency, stricter regulations, and further research into the safety of these chemicals. Consumers can also take steps to reduce their exposure by choosing food packaging made from safer materials, such asglass or stainless steel, and avoiding products with high levels of processed ingredients.

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Note: This article is based on the provided information and aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the study’s findings. It is essential to consult the original research paper and other reliable sources for further information and context.

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